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bluff

adjective
\ ˈbləf How to pronounce bluff (audio) \

Definition of bluff

 (Entry 1 of 5)

1a : having a broad flattened front a ship with bluff bows
b : rising steeply with a broad flat or rounded front the bluff banks of the river
2 : good-naturedly frank and outspoken a bluff, easygoing fellow

bluff

noun (1)

Definition of bluff (Entry 2 of 5)

: a high steep bank : cliff stood on the bluffs overlooking the ocean

bluff

verb
bluffed; bluffing; bluffs

Definition of bluff (Entry 3 of 5)

transitive verb

1a : to deter or frighten by pretense or a mere show of strength bluffed them into surrendering
b : deceive bluff her way in without a ticket
c : feign The catcher bluffed a throw to first.
2 card games : to deceive (an opponent) by a bold bet on an inferior hand was bluffed out of a winning hand

intransitive verb

: to bluff someone : act deceptively You can tell when he is bluffing.

bluff

noun (2)

Definition of bluff (Entry 4 of 5)

1a : a false threat or claim intended to deter or deceive someone : an act or instance of bluffing (see bluff entry 3) Having … nothing to support his pretensions he decided to put up a bluff.— Sherwood Anderson His boss called his bluff.
b : the practice of bluffing The agreement had been reached, after weeks of bluff and haggle … — Time
2 : one who bluffs

Bluff

geographical name
\ ˈbləf How to pronounce Bluff (audio) \

Definition of Bluff (Entry 5 of 5)

town in southern New Zealand

Note: Bluff serves as the port for the city of Invercargill.

Other Words from bluff Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about bluff

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Other Words from bluff

Adjective

bluffly adverb
bluffness noun

Verb

bluffer noun

Choose the Right Synonym for bluff

Adjective

bluff, blunt, brusque, curt, crusty, gruff mean abrupt and unceremonious in speech and manner. bluff connotes good-natured outspokenness and unconventionality. a bluff manner blunt suggests directness of expression in disregard of others' feelings. a blunt appraisal brusque applies to a sharpness or ungraciousness. a brusque response curt implies disconcerting shortness or rude conciseness. a curt command crusty suggests a harsh or surly manner sometimes concealing an inner kindliness. a crusty exterior gruff suggests a hoarse or husky speech which may imply bad temper but more often implies embarrassment or shyness. puts on a gruff pose

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