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

Charlie Fox, a 56-year-old San Clemente resident and marine meteorologist, said sand provides a critical buffer between whatever structures — train tracks, homes, lifeguard headquarters — are built along the coast. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026

Instead, according to the grand jury report, two organizations were used as buffers to move the money out of the Hope Florida Foundation before transferring it to Keep Florida Clean. — Jim Defede, CBS News, 27 Sep. 2026

Verb

Know More Even so, Okonjo-Iweala noted that global commerce has shown underlying resilience, buffered in part by the AI investment boom. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026

But Orange, with its booming home sales and constant new construction, was buffered for years from shrinking student counts felt in other parts of the country. — Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026