1
as in panting
to breathe hard, quickly, or with difficulty
he came running up the stairs puffing and wheezing
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in stroking
to praise too much
a talk show host who can be counted on to puff up the celebrities who readily consent to be interviewed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of puffing
Varied scenes include a video of smokestacks in the unmistakable soft light of a Beijing winter, the artist puffing cigarettes as a Lazy Susan spins leisurely with dishes and a bottle of Nongfu Spring, a local mineral water brand; and a robot getting out of an elevator.
—
Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 22 Jan. 2026
This whiskey can, of course, be enjoyed without puffing on a cigar—that part of the ritual is completely optional—but it was made very intentionally by master blender Nancy Fraley and master distiller John Schrepel.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 27 Dec. 2025
Out on break, puffing on a cigarette, Dana is sucker-punched by a patient disgruntled over his wait time.
—Ew Staff December 5, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Dec. 2025
Lohan, in a white dress, is seen puffing on an electronic cigarette and also eating ice cream from 4D Gelateria on South Pointe Drive.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 3 Dec. 2025
What Pie Weights Really Do Pie weights help prevent pie crusts from puffing up or shrinking during blind baking—the process of partially or fully baking a pie crust before adding filling.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2025
For centuries, locals have looked up at the constantly puffing peak in celebration rather than fear.
—Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 23 Nov. 2025
And more than anything, more than the animosity between the programs, more than the College Football Playoff impact, more than Notre Dame puffing its chest out as USC backed down, that familiarity was the real higher power at work.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
The president has increasingly embraced fake images and videos — some appearing to be AI-generated — to mock and taunt political rivals while also puffing up his image.
—David Ingram, NBC news, 4 Oct. 2025
Stephy Chung, CNN Money, 22 Jan. 2026
This whiskey can, of course, be enjoyed without puffing on a cigar—that part of the ritual is completely optional—but it was made very intentionally by master blender Nancy Fraley and master distiller John Schrepel.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 27 Dec. 2025
Out on break, puffing on a cigarette, Dana is sucker-punched by a patient disgruntled over his wait time.
—Ew Staff December 5, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Dec. 2025
Lohan, in a white dress, is seen puffing on an electronic cigarette and also eating ice cream from 4D Gelateria on South Pointe Drive.
—Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 3 Dec. 2025
What Pie Weights Really Do Pie weights help prevent pie crusts from puffing up or shrinking during blind baking—the process of partially or fully baking a pie crust before adding filling.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2025
For centuries, locals have looked up at the constantly puffing peak in celebration rather than fear.
—Moira McCarthy, Boston Herald, 23 Nov. 2025
And more than anything, more than the animosity between the programs, more than the College Football Playoff impact, more than Notre Dame puffing its chest out as USC backed down, that familiarity was the real higher power at work.
—Pete Sampson, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
The president has increasingly embraced fake images and videos — some appearing to be AI-generated — to mock and taunt political rivals while also puffing up his image.
—David Ingram, NBC news, 4 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puffing
Verb
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User @briadeshaun took a more relatable route and impersonated an out-of-shape owl, worn out from flying and repeatedly panting to catch its breath.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Her dog panting, unquestioning, always thrilled to see her.—
Allegra Goodman,
New Yorker,
4 Jan. 2026
Verb
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She was later reunited with her dog, stroking him in stunned silence before being taken to the hospital.—
Danielle Bacher,
PEOPLE,
20 Jan. 2026
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At one point Eliot entered the TV room and found Abby with her head on Claire’s lap, Claire stroking her hair.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
25 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Then came another jab, and the hairpiece bounced up as if Miller’s scalp was the bottom of a gasping clam.—
Matt Moret,
New York Times,
1 Feb. 2026
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The result is a searing drama that had audiences at the National Theatre in London, where the production opened at the end of 2024, gasping in surprise, shock, and sympathy.—
Sarah Crompton,
Vogue,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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There are bodily fluids, jeering crowds, and demonic Punch and Judy puppets applauding through the chaos, giving the scene the air of a demented fairy tale.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
9 Feb. 2026
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Judge Miguel Espinoza both praised and criticized the county’s progress at the hearing, at times applauding the collaboration between stakeholders and at other times questioning whether the Board of Supervisors was allocating enough resources.—
Jason Henry,
Daily News,
8 Feb. 2026
Verb
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That Bad Bunny gave this song to Martin feels especially moving after the latter wrote a letter this past week praising the former’s Grammys acceptance speech.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
9 Feb. 2026
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Your diplomatic touch can turn an argument into teamwork by praising an idea’s potential, then guiding it toward a less pricey lane.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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During that time, policemen and policewomen, Black and white, approached Officer Daniel, hugging him, shaking his hand, patting him on the back, congratulating him — demonstrating an enormous outpouring of support and admiration.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
16 Jan. 2026
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Daniel Girdler got plenty of text messages this week congratulating him on his recent engagement.—
Jason Armesto,
AJC.com,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But a talent for massaging egos is the most desirable strength.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
13 Jan. 2026
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Just be sure to dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil before massaging it into sore spots.—
Iman Balagam,
Vogue,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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On Sunday night and into Monday, BAM’s X feed spilled over with reposts commending the account for its largely correct forecasts.—
Brady Brickner-Wood,
New Yorker,
28 Jan. 2026
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Comments on both videos range from commending this brilliant idea to admitting to leaving the anchor in and patching over it.—
Mary Cornetta,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Puffing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puffing. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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