cuff 1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈkəf How to pronounce cuff (audio)
Definition of cuffnext
as in swipe
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument the mama cat would give her kittens a cuff with a paw whenever they played too rough

Synonyms & Similar Words

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cuff

2 of 3

noun (2)

as in bracelet
usually cuffs plural something that physically prevents free movement the policeman snapped the cuffs on and led the prisoner away to the car

Synonyms & Similar Words

cuff

3 of 3

verb

as in to sock

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 cuff
Noun
The actress wore a maroon gown with a boat neck and accessorized with chunky gold cuffs on each wrist. — Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025 Nicholas James Sonet, 27, was put in cuffs Thursday after more than a year-long investigation. — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
He was cuffed after his guilty plea and ordered held without bail, and is slated to be sentenced March 17. — John Annese, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2025 Hours later, a deputy tracks him down at a family dinner at a LongHorn Steakhouse, cuffing him in the parking lot. — Aliyya Swaby, ProPublica, 8 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cuff
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cuff
  1. sock
  2. box
  3. slap
  4. chop
  5. belt
  6. punch
  7. smack
  8. knock
Verb
  • But like many other businesses that wanted an end to Biden’s policies and suddenly got socked with new tariffs and geopolitical threats, Trump 2.0 has delivered less than expected so far — and the future remains uncertain.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025
  • To be sure, as incomes shot higher in January (rising 0.9%), consumers socked those dollars away instead of spending.
    — Alicia Wallace, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of sock
Verb
  • According to Kelly’s timeline, around 4:45 p.m. that day, Bradley and her brother went to the store to buy baby formula and boxed wine, verified later by the store’s security video.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Jones, still vigorous at seventy-two, moves through space with ferocious intent while conjuring stories from the past: early dance sensations, tense interactions with the legendary Ailey, and clashes with critics who tried to box him in as a Black artist.
    — Shauna Lyon, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of box
Verb
  • The first one, which was circulated among WTO members on March 5, came as President Trump’s administration slapped 25 percent tariffs on goods coming from Canada and Mexico, along with a 10 percent levy on Chinese products.
    — Filip Timotija, The Hill, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Ford, the Canadian politician who threatened to shut off US electricity and briefly slapped a 25% surcharge on electricity exports, has emerged as a particularly vocal opponent of Trump’s trade policy.
    — Matt Egan, CNN, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of slap
Verb
  • Bruno Fernandes continues to chop wood, carry water, serve dinner and do whatever else his team requires.
    — Carl Anka, The Athletic, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Finely chop a white onion, a bunch of cilantro, and two serrano peppers.
    — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of chop
Verb
  • As a society navigating the choppy waters of quick-draw feuds and biting vitriol—no matter the triviality or seriousness of the topic in question—we are often cowered into joining the chorus versus belting out a solo for fear of being singled out.
    — Christina L. Sgro, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Dion took a moment to think about the question before belting out in song.
    — Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of belt
Verb
  • The trio screamed as the team made it through, with the royal grabbing van Cutsem's face at one point, and punching the air.
    — Becca Longmire, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Augustin is alleged to have then continued his aggression, punching and kicking the seat and the passenger in front of him.
    — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC News, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of punch
Verb
  • The only person who could get away with smacking a cigarette out of Dominek's hand was Clara, David said.
    — Jackie Charniga, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025
  • These Cavs maybe aren’t popping champagne for smacking around the New York Knicks, or the Magic, or most of their opponents.
    — Joe Vardon, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of smack
Verb
  • Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Not long after Muhammad claimed the Titan FC welterweight crown, the UFC came knocking.
    — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of knock

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Cite this Entry

“Cuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cuff. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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