Synonyms of buffer

buffer 1 of 2

noun

ˈbə-fər 

1

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

• mediator
• negotiator
• intermediary
• broker
• intermediate
• liaison
• ambassador
• peacemaker
• honest broker
• proxy
• middleman
• agent
• conciliator
• intercessor
• interceder
• negotiant
• attorney
• moderator
• referee
• delegate
• interposer
• representative
• factor
• adviser
• envoy
• go-between
• judge
• messenger
• umpire
• deputy
• arbiter
• pacificator
• troubleshooter
• arbitrator
• reconciler
• medium
• emissary
• counselor
• bargainer
• pacifier
• procurator
• legate
• appeaser
• interferer
• meddler
• busybody

2

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

• pad
• shield
• cushion
• bumper
• fender
• padding
• cocoon
• cushioning
• barricade
• safeguard
• baffle
• muffler
• cordon

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

• soften
• cushion
• mitigate
• alleviate
• modulate
• temper
• gentle
• dull
• moderate
• obtund
• baffle
• relieve
• dampen
• deaden
• allay
• lighten
• ease
• assuage

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• intensify
• sharpen
• heighten

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of buffer

Noun

However, industry analysts warn that this does not mean Europe has adequate emergency buffers. — CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

Around these expanding buffers, SANDO constructs a safety corridor, a chain of connected, obstacle-free regions of three-dimensional space. — New Atlas, 11 Oct. 2026

Verb

The footpad cannot extract energy from chemically inert surfaces such as plastic, glass, soil, or organic tissue, prompting the team to add a small onboard supercapacitor to buffer power across dead zones. — New Atlas, 8 Oct. 2026

Thanks to the coffered and baffled wood ceilings, noise levels are buffered and kept to a pleasant rumble. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026