HUFF Synonyms: 137 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus

huff 1 of 2

noun

Definition of huffnext
1
as in fuss
a state of nervous or irritated concern was in a huff because everyone was running late and the school bus would stop to pick them up in a matter of minutes

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2
as in scene
an outburst or display of excited anger gets all in a huff every time anyone makes the slightest criticism

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3
as in anger
the feeling of being offended or resentful after a slight or indignity left the restaurant in a huff after waiting 15 minutes to be seated

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

huff

2 of 2

verb

as in to rave
to talk loudly and wildly demanding to speak to the manager, he huffed about the rudeness of the sales assistant

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word huff distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of huff are dudgeon, offense, pique, resentment, and umbrage. While all these words mean "an emotional response to or an emotional state resulting from a slight or indignity," huff implies a peevish short-lived spell of anger usually at a petty cause.

in a huff he slammed the door

Where would dudgeon be a reasonable alternative to huff?

Although the words dudgeon and huff have much in common, dudgeon suggests an angry fit of indignation.

stormed out of the meeting in high dudgeon

When is offense a more appropriate choice than huff?

While in some cases nearly identical to huff, offense implies hurt displeasure.

takes deep offense at racial slurs

When can pique be used instead of huff?

The synonyms pique and huff are sometimes interchangeable, but pique applies to a transient feeling of wounded vanity.

in a pique I foolishly declined the invitation

When might resentment be a better fit than huff?

In some situations, the words resentment and huff are roughly equivalent. However, resentment suggests lasting indignation or ill will.

harbored a lifelong resentment of his brother

In what contexts can umbrage take the place of huff?

The words umbrage and huff are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, umbrage may suggest hurt pride, resentment, or suspicion of another's motives.

took umbrage at the offer of advice

Phrases Containing huff

Thesaurus Entries Near huff

hues

huff

huffed

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Cite this Entry

“Huff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/huff. Accessed 21 Apr. 2024.

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