buff up

Rub until gleaming

Buff up means to polish or improve something until it shines or performs well.

You might buff up a car's finish with wax, or buff up a résumé before applying for jobs.

In fitness contexts, to buff up is to build muscle through exercise: He's been hitting the gym trying to buff up for summer.

polish

shine

Emit or reflect light

  • burnishPolish by rubbing
  • waxPliable waterproof substance
  • glossShine or annotation

rub · luster · gleam · sheen · smooth · brighten · sparkle · finish · cloth · chamois

improve

enhance

Increase in quality

optimize · perfect · sharpen · revamp · spruce · revise · overhaul · fine-tune · elevate · smarten

physique

muscle

Contractile body tissue

build · strengthen · workout · gym · exercise · train · flex · firm · ripped · gains

Opposites
surface polish/shine

buff updull

Lacking edge or interest

tarnish · scuff · mar · roughen · matte

physical enhancement/improvement

buff updegrade

Lower in standing

diminish · wear down · damage · debase · lower

muscular development

buff upwaste away

Decline through neglect

atrophy · wither · weaken · deteriorate · let oneself go

Family

buff, up, buffs, buffed, buffing, buffer, buffers, buffered, buffering

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G