BUFFER Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

buffer 1 of 2

noun

ˈbə-fər

Definition of buffer

as in mediator

one who works with opposing sides in order to bring about an agreement it took a friend serving as a buffer between the feuding siblings to get them to speak to one another again

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in pad

something that serves as a protective barrier the excelsior acts as an additional buffer for the marble bust during shipping

Synonyms & Similar Words

buffer

2 of 2

verb

as in to soften

to lessen the shock of during my walk an umbrella and thick coat buffered the freezing rain

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 buffer

Noun

Third, respecting one's social battery, whether introverted or extroverted, by scheduling collaborative and solitary tasks appropriately, using buffers. — Luciana Paulise, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 From adding buffer time into your morning to building a launch pad by the door, here are our expert’s thoughts on how to simplify your morning routine. — Parents, 22 July 2026

Verb

Larger ponds are generally more forgiving, as greater water volume helps buffer fluctuations in water chemistry and temperature. — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 9 July 2026 The quality of hoops ranged from genuinely exciting to a snooze, all generally played at a quick tempo that was only occasionally buffered by replay reviews of calls made under the lowest of stakes. — Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for buffer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for buffer

Noun

Before the latest strikes, Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni visited Pakistan, a key mediator in the conflict, seeking to revive diplomacy.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
That said, reports that regional mediators have presented both countries with a proposal for a 10-day ceasefire could put last month's memorandum of understanding back on track.

— Justina Lee, CNBC, 22 July 2026

Definition of mediator

Noun

Harvick, who on May 19th was named to the latest class in the NASCAR Hall Of Fame and will be inducted next January, believes his first Brickyard 400 win on August 3, 2003, served as the launching pad to his Hall of Fame career.

— Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
Burial is far and away the blueprint here, evident in the vespertine pads, tape hiss, and hauntological vocal flips, deployed as if overheard from a distant astral plane.

— Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 23 July 2026

Definition of pad

Verb

In recent months, with his cancer diagnosis now public, his attitude had softened and the prospect of him coming back to the stadium was dangling.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Let your shoes soften the look, while the rest of your accessories—like a designer bag and statement jewelry—do all the heavy lifting.

— India Roby, Glamour, 21 July 2026

Definition of soften

Noun

Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance — the administration’s lead negotiator with Iran — has suggested that military force alone won’t be enough to fully dismantle Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz.

— Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
An Iranian negotiator said Tehran was suspending its commitments to the interim deal signed about a month ago and aimed at permanently ending the fighting.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 July 2026

Definition of negotiator

Verb

House Republicans are on the verge of passing a budget on Wednesday that sets up over $70 billion in new military funding that’s intended to cushion the stress of the expanding war.

— Max Tani, semafor.com, 22 July 2026
The footbed is cushioned, shock-absorbing, and breathable, so these premium sandals are suitable for all-day wear.

— Genevieve Cepeda, InStyle, 18 July 2026

Definition of cushion

Noun

Each of them is a working ambassador for the brand, and each was brought into the partnership by Agarwal personally rather than through agency intermediaries.

— Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 22 July 2026
But the league has gone beyond explaining its side to the intermediaries known as the media.

— Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

Definition of intermediary

Noun

The Equinox driver then lost control and veered hard to the left, striking the rear passenger side bumper of a 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse that was in the center lane, state police said.

— Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2026
Oil prices were higher on Friday, firmly on track to register bumper weekly gains.

— Sam Meredith,Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 17 July 2026

Definition of bumper

Browse Nearby Words

buffed

buffer

buffered

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“Buffer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buffer. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of buffer

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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