1
as in rubbing
to make smooth by friction
she learned to buff semiprecious stones in order to make her own jewelry
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2
as in polishing
to make smooth or glossy usually by repeatedly applying surface pressure
the janitor buffed the lobby floor until it shone
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Recent Examples of buffing
The outside of these types of receptacles need a bit of buffing with a dry microfiber towel to rid of fingerprints, smudges, and stains.
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Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
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, 14 Oct. 2024
If the copper is heavily tarnished, let the toothpaste's active ingredients work on the patina for ten minutes or so before buffing.
—Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2024
To soften the color, sheer out the formula by buffing excess product onto the back your hand before applying to the face.
—Erin Lassner, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Lauren Wicks, Southern Living, 23 Nov. 2024
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, 14 Oct. 2024
If the copper is heavily tarnished, let the toothpaste's active ingredients work on the patina for ten minutes or so before buffing.
—Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2024
To soften the color, sheer out the formula by buffing excess product onto the back your hand before applying to the face.
—Erin Lassner, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buffing
Verb
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Some edits and modifications were implemented with the goal of polishing Shakespeare’s language to fit more contemporary voices, trimming down lengthy plots, and adapting 16th-century plays to 17th-century London’s smaller theaters.Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Dec. 2024
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The micro-polishing crystals remove dull skin and reveal a bright, smooth complexion.Bridget Degnan, People.com, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Russia’s grinding war in Ukraine since 2022 has sucked in manpower and resources.Rob Picheta, CNN, 9 Dec. 2024
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The drink was made by grinding up cocoa seeds.Joe Difazio, USA TODAY, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Editors and dermatologists alike love it for its fine line–smoothing powers, along with its ability to dramatically lighten dark spots caused by sun damage.Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 11 Dec. 2024
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This oil is also spiked with rice bran oil, which is rich in skin-smoothing antioxidants.Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 6 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Topline Grocery store chain Albertsons formally terminated nearly $25 billion merger agreement with rival Kroger on Wednesday, a day after a federal judge blocked the deal—with Albertsons filing a lawsuit accusing Kroger of failing to win regulatory approval for the agreement.Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
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Topline Grocery store chain Albertsons formally terminated nearly $25 billion merger agreement with rival Kroger on Wednesday, a day after a federal judge blocked the deal—with Albertsons filing a lawsuit accusing Kroger of failing to win regulatory approval for the agreement.Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near buffing
Cite this Entry
“Buffing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buffing. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.
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