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

That kind of front-loading also gives parents a buffer if a child freezes up, cries or needs an extra hug before heading out. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 10 Aug. 2026 In practical terms, that can mean setting a maximum allocation, defining a minimum cash buffer that must stay in traditional accounts, or requiring treasury committee approval before increasing exposure. — Matthew Kayser, Ascend Agency, 10 Aug. 2026

Verb

Nigerian energy retailers called for the state to create local strategic reserves of petrol and other fuels to buffer from supply shocks in the global oil market. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 31 July 2026 Marketing experts told Fortune that the Meta video’s reliance on nostalgic imagery seemed like a way to redirect attention from AI concerns and to buffer against growing AI fears. — Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for buffer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for buffer

Noun

The faith is based in the worship of orishas, which can be described as saints or mediators of humanity’s relationship with the sacred, with similar roles to saints in the Catholic religion.

— Delia Sauer, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2026
In Cairo, there are meetings planned with Egyptian officials and other mediators.

— Frank Andrews, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of mediator

Noun

These messages were a launching pad for the spread of inaccurate data, particularly claims about an 82% risk of miscarriage associated with Covid-19 vaccines.

— Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026
The six-bedroom, 12-bathroom pad is anchored by a palatial living room with a sleek fireplace.

— Architectural Digest, Architectural Digest, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of pad

Verb

Now, parts and service departments and finance and insurance packages are becoming more important sources of profit for car dealers, as profits from new vehicle sales show signs of softening.

— Robert Ferris, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
The best moisturizers for strawberry skin combine nourishing ingredients with exfoliating properties to smooth, soften, and leave skin feeling its healthiest.

— Mary Honkus, Glamour, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of soften

Noun

Iran’s parliament speaker and key negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, issued a list of demands today in exchange for Tehran reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

— Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
People also began to use it to describe the negotiator in matters of influence.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of negotiator

Noun

Hydrogen, which has no neutrons, has roughly double that ratio of any other element, which is why water is often cited as a good space radiation shield.

— Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2026
Ornamental shields and coats of arms are decorated with castles, crosses, lions, flags, and crowns.

— Tribune Content Agency, Baltimore Sun, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of shield

Noun

The Mexican government has facilitated legal assistance to Salgado’s family and acted as a crucial intermediary.

— Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2026
Cheng’s prescription is direct engagement and the revival of the KMT’s role as an intermediary between two governments that, under two-and-a-half DPP terms, only communicate through warplanes and naval exercises.

— Charlie Campbell, Time, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of intermediary

Noun

Driving fatigue is very real, thanks to so many Mad Maxes riding bumpers or blowing through red lights or completely ignoring the speed limit.

— Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Ford also admitted there’s been rear wing modifications via the DRS system and an additional set of dive planes mounted on the front bumper.

— Joel Feder, The Drive, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of bumper

Browse Nearby Words

buffed

buffer

buffered

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Buffer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buffer. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of buffer

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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