padding 1 of 3

Definition of paddingnext
1
as in filling
soft material that is used to fill the hollow parts of something the padding is leaking out of that pillow

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in exaggeration
the representation of something in terms that go beyond the facts that feature writer is sometimes guilty of padding, since his stories often contain colorful details that can't be verified

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

padding

2 of 3

verb (1)

present participle of pad

padding

3 of 3

verb (2)

present participle of pad

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 padding
Noun
Mia Williams drove Taylor Tinsley‘s first pitch off the padding in center field for a long single. Tim Willert, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026 Its lightweight cups sit flush against the chest without gapping, and gradual padding and light underwire create a natural shape without looking overdone. Malia Griggs, Glamour, 1 June 2026
Verb
Two silhouettes caught on grainy security cameras, padding through a massive, empty aqua park lit only by whatever ambient light existed. Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2026 What are those team managers doing with our bucks, padding their kids’ college funds? Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for padding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for padding
Noun
  • The two most popular fillings are pastry cream and jam made from the region’s Itxassou black cherries, but don’t just try one.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 10 June 2026
  • For the second year in a row, coach Jai Lucas did what appears to be an exceptional job filling needs.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • Height exaggeration is one of the oldest and most well-documented forms of self-inflation.
    Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 4 June 2026
  • There are a number of driving forces behind this excited exaggeration.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Verb
  • As her platform grew and her symptoms reached their most extreme heights, hate began to flood her comment section, with trolls accusing her of faking or exaggerating her condition for attention.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 23 Nov. 2025
  • Democratic officials have pushed back, arguing that the president is exaggerating the need to combat crime in the city for political gain.
    Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 22 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Designed to resemble a California Craftsman-style village, the property’s cliffside paths stay active throughout the day—couples walking hand in hand, families heading toward the beach, and dogs making their morning, afternoon, and sunset rounds.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026
  • Today, there is a visitor center nearby, along with miles of walking trails.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026
Noun
  • The Daily Bugle isn’t the only newspaper that’ll give you a fill of Spider-Man on a regular basis.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 16 June 2026
  • Plans Standard, Premium and Pro plans, with higher tiers offering resume database, sponsored job posts and TrafficBoost for urgent or hard-to-fill roles.
    Audrey Payne, CNBC, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • The growth of the embryo is vitally dependent on the stretching of the skin, muscles, and ligaments within the woman’s body as a result of hormonal changes to accommodate this transformation.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 9 June 2026
  • To help prepare your body for sleep, experts recommend activities such as stretching, yoga, meditation, prayer, taking a warm shower or bath, reading, or listening to relaxing music.
    Allison Forsyth, Health, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • Try coloring, building with blocks, or doodling beside a younger child.
    Kelsey Mora, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2025
  • The pimentos finish off the flavor profile, while lightly coloring the spread.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Apparently, the man had been treading water for about 11 hours.
    Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 30 May 2026
  • Adler had fallen off the wakeboard and was treading water when she was struck.
    Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 26 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Padding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/padding. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

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