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

His chambers are in Islandia, on Long Island, with tennis trophies on the desk and an electric shoe buffer in the corner. — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Building cardiorespiratory fitness and maintaining a consistent exercise practice may provide leaders with an additional buffer during those demanding periods. — Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Verb

Audio Snapshots can record up to 30 seconds and buffer for up to 15 seconds of retroactive recording. — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026 These networks used to buffer against isolation and economic displacement—the thorns of modern life that make partnership more valuable yet love more difficult to find. — Faith Hill, The Atlantic, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for buffer

Recent Examples of Synonyms for buffer

Noun

Preclinical research also suggests that quinoa saponins may reduce the production of inflammatory mediators and pro-inflammatory molecules.

— Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2026
Qatar has been an important mediator in the US-Iran conflict.

— Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of mediator

Noun

Finally cleared this offseason to fully do so and strapping on the pads again, the last thing the Bengals tight end wanted to hear was that he was being held out of any games, practices or even drills.

— Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
The majority of their starters spent the second half conversing with folks in the stands, pads long gone, while Jones took the field for his first snaps as a true freshman.

— Noah White, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of pad

Verb

This unit has plenty of opportunities to gel by November, when the schedule softens a bit before a potential playoff push.

— Zak Keefer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
But while anti-immigrant, pro-Russian parties have made inroads across the continent in recent years, there have also been notable reversals, and some have softened their views to build coalitions with moderates.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of soften

Noun

Bobby Roy, the union's chief negotiator, said the state rejected proposals from the union without making a counterproposal.

— Darrielle Fair, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026
In 2019, according to her campaign, Hinojosa was a key Democratic negotiator on the largest school finance overhaul in a generation.

— Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of negotiator

Verb

Asics Novablast 6 Sneaker Energetic and highly cushioned, with neutral support, Asics’ Novablast 6 is the perfect introductory road-running shoe for folks not interested in chasing speed or superhuman distance.

— Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
This combination gives you cushioning without the sneakers feeling heavy or restrictive.

— Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of cushion

Noun

Some classes include fees to compensate intermediaries that help sell and service the fund, such as brokers, insurance companies, financial advisors, and retirement plan administrators.

— Debbie Carlson, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026
Private businesses will be allowed to import and export directly, without the need for state intermediaries, but will still require authorization from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment.

— Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of intermediary

Noun

She‘s still reeling from how quickly her business went from a bumper batch of orders to battling for its life.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Other festival highlights include a giant pumpkin regatta, glass making workshop, grape stomping competition, pumping carving, a youth makers market, crafts, face painting and bumper boats.

— Cathy Kozlowicz, jsonline.com, 1 Sep. 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 10 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of buffer

noun

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on buffer

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

loath

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes