BUFFING Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

buffing

verb

present participle of buff

as in rubbing

to make smooth by friction she learned to buff semiprecious stones in order to make her own jewelry

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in polishing

to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure the janitor buffed the lobby floor until it shone

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of buffing Most people use the miracle sponge for buffing out wall or floor scuffs, but Macqueen’s recommendation is an eye-opener. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2026 Finally, to ensure the doors are working smoothly, Sibley suggests applying high-quality car wax to the aluminum, buffing off the wax with a microfiber towel, and then finishing with a light coat of WD40 or Silicone spray on the rollers. — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 6 July 2026 Use an applicator pad (often supplied with the wax) and start buffing with a fresh microfiber towel. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2026 For appliances and fixtures such as faucets, start by sprinkling baking soda onto a damp rag, and buffing the stainless steel gently to clean and brighten. — Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 11 May 2026 Ngo coats the nail with a matte primer, which creates a smooth base, before buffing eye shadow across the surface with a nail sponge. — Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 27 Apr. 2026 Keep one slightly damp microfiber cloth for cleaning and one dry microfiber cloth for buffing. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 2026 Finish by cleaning the area with the vinegar and water mixture and buffing it to a shine. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for buffing

Verb

Coat the exterior of the pork with 2 teaspoons salt and 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice, rubbing it into the meat.

— Kate Williams, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the material.

— Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of rubbing

Verb

Ilham Aliyev continued his father’s dictatorial legacy, imprisoning his critics and enriching his family and cronies, while polishing his country’s image by hosting Formula One events and the Eurovision Song Contest.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 July 2026
For deeper etching, a polishing compound and pad may restore the finish.

— Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 25 July 2026

Definition of polishing

Verb

The rooms All Volcanoes lodges are hand-built and use no machinery (apart from sanding) by their team of builders, carpenters, welders, and fundi/artisans, from the papyrus roof to the bedside lamps.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 July 2026
Prep the Wood Prep the wood for stain by stripping and sanding any existing paint, coating, or sealant that could hinder the stain’s penetration.

— Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 July 2026

Definition of sanding

Verb

Pay attention to unusual rattling, buzzing, grinding or squealing sounds.

— Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 31 July 2026
Eversource spent the better part of the spring and early summer in a wide, sideways channel, grinding between roughly $66 and $72 while the 200-day continued its long climb higher.

— Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 30 July 2026

Definition of grinding

Verb

Investigators presented the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office earlier Tuesday for filing consideration.

— Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
All four of her grandparents were born and raised in Italy; in 2018, the then 62-year-old former magazine editor moved to Perugia, in the central Umbria region, on a temporary visa at the same time as filing a lawsuit for citizenship.

— Julia Buckley, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of filing

Verb

Cyrus Mewawalla, head of strategic intelligence at GlobalData, said cloud-heavy hyperscalers are being rewarded for turning AI investment into sales, sharpening the split between winners and losers.

— Hugh Leask, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
More than 70 years later, designers are sharpening it once again.

— Georgia Brown, Glamour, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of sharpening

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buffi

buffing

buffo

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“Buffing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buffing. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of buffing

verb

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