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

With sanctions limiting borrowing and liquid reserves dwindling, analysts warn Russia could exhaust its financial buffers by early 2028 without further tax increases or spending cuts. — David McHugh, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

With the trees gone, there is no longer a buffer between Undercurrent’s parking lot and Independence Boulevard. — Charlotte Observer, 28 Oct. 2026

Verb

With the team’s new system, the heat pump heats water and uses a large tank to buffer the heat. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

By holding water on the land, these peatlands not only reduce the risk of flooding downstream, but also buffer the landscape against drought, keeping soils moist and supporting nearby forests through dry spells. — Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026