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

If experimentally realized, programmable delay systems like this could eventually be used to synchronize optical signals, create adjustable delay lines and buffers, reshape optical transmission bands, and perform frequency conversion. — New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026 Currently, the rezoning petition doesn’t include maintaining an undisturbed buffer. — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 18 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 union said management has not agreed to musicians' proposal for a mediator.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026
Kim also signed a mutual defense pact with Russia and revived ties with China, all but ruling out any role for South Korea as mediator.

— Anthony Kuhn, NPR, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of mediator

Noun

In March 2026, the Canadian government announced a 10-year, CAD $200M lease agreement with Maritime Launch Services for a dedicated launch pad at Spaceport Nova Scotia.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 20 Aug. 2026
Negotiations over the Draco pad had been underway for nearly two years.

— Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 20 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

Verb

Unlike countries like Morocco, Egypt and China, Kenya provides limited direct subsidies to cushion electricity prices.

— ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
Industrial production and exports tied to the global AI investment boom have helped cushion weak consumption and private investment, but July data suggest that support may be thinning.

— Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of cushion

Noun

Martinelli may be caught up in that — as may Myles Lewis-Skelly, reputedly offered to Manchester United and Chelsea by intermediaries.

— James McNicholas, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
These include the disproportionate influence of traders and intermediaries over prices, often as a result of monopsony (a market with only one major buyer); cartelization; conflicts of interest; rent-seeking; and limited price discovery mechanisms.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of intermediary

Noun

The Champions League draw is only days away — and fans don’t have long to wait for international football’s return, either, with a bumper break from September 21 to October 6.

— Cerys Jones, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Last year, Ian Stamy took the state prize for his bumper soybean yield, coaxing an average of just over 100 bushels per acre from his operation in central Pennsylvania.

— Scott Neuman, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of bumper

Browse Nearby Words

buffed

buffer

buffered

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Synonyms of buffer

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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