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

At the same time, the researchers found that higher education might still serve as a buffer against the employment effects the Stanford researchers identified. — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 24 Aug. 2026 For example, Iran uses the UAE as a reexport hub and buffer, and receives vehicle spare parts from China, according to the Observatory for Economic Complexity. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 24 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

Qatar has been an important mediator in the US-Iran conflict.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
The union said management has not agreed to musicians' proposal for a mediator.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of mediator

Noun

Not wanting to go through a repeat of uncertainty for FY27, Roman mission management began eyeing faster routes to the launch pad.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026
The granite landing pad is not yet complete, though it was partially unveiled during a press tour led by the president last week.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of pad

Noun

After Bessent’s announcement, Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said the US is not in an economic position to restrict its relations with other countries.

— Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Jackie Combs is an experienced negotiator known for handling celebrity and high-profile cases.

— Jackie Combs, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of negotiator

Noun

An adult purple gallinule has a bright purple and green body with a pale blue marking that resembles a shield above its red and yellow bill.

— Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Protective, almost — which makes sense, as its stunning chandeliers are designed to look like the shields and spears of African Masai warriors.

— Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of shield

Verb

Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams still haven’t practiced and running backs have had a revolving door to the trainer’s room, while the loss of receiver Ricky Pearsall was cushioned by the availability of old friend Deebo Samuel.

— The Athletic NFL Staff, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
The shoe’s full-length visible Max Air was among Nike’s top cushioning setups of the era and the roster of players who wore the model are a testament to its performance abilities.

— Riley Jones, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of cushion

Noun

Oman, a frequent intermediary between Washington and Tehran, has found its balancing act suddenly precarious.

— Kareem Chehayeb, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Independent Chinese refiners take in the bulk of it, often rebranded as Malaysian or Indonesian crude and settled through intermediaries outside the dollar system, according to Kpler.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 25 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

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Style

“Buffer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buffer. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of buffer

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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