cushioning 1 of 3

noun

Definition of cushioningnext
as in buffer
something that serves as a protective barrier put plenty of cushioning around that bottle of wine if you're going to carry it home in your suitcase

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cushioning

2 of 3

adjective

as in softening

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Dissimilar Words

cushioning

3 of 3

verb

present participle of cushion
as in buffering
to lessen the shock of a substantial nest egg helped to cushion the sudden loss of her job

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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 cushioning
Noun
Of course, the Cloudmonster 3’s industry-leading specs — like responsive CloudTec cushioning, a propulsive plate, and a rocker made for smoother-than-smooth heel-to-toe transitions — can have that effect, too. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 5 Sep. 2026 An exaggerated split wood base gives the design a floating effect while slightly upturned bench-style cushioning offers a comfy perch for sitting upright or stretching out. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026
Adjective
And in many cases, the brand’s modern reissues are actually downgraded with less cushioning and lower quality materials as cost-cutting measures. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
The company says the AirX design draws inspiration from automotive airbags and air-cushioning systems used in footwear, incorporating structures intended to absorb impact energy. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026 This pair in white chambray is a perfect match thanks to a black stripe that runs along the soles, and unlike many low-profile shoes, provides plenty of support with extra heel padding and cushioning around the ankles. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cushioning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushioning
  1. buffer
  2. emollient
  3. softening
  4. cushion
  5. compassionate
  6. pad
  7. shield
  8. bumper
Noun
  • Tiedemann noted that permit levels are intentionally set with some buffer, so that a violation doesn’t immediately cause a crisis.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The particle contains a low-density carbon buffer, inner pyrolytic carbon, silicon carbide and outer pyrolytic carbon.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of buffer
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, emollient vitamin E and softening jojoba seed oil condition your natural nails, leaving them (and the skin around them) feeling softer and more hydrated.
    — Sarah Felbin, Allure, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The formula is infused with emollient fatty acids to help support the skin’s moisture barrier, while its semi-sheer finish ensures a soft glow—far from the heavy-handed bronzer looks of the mid-2010s.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2025
Definition of emollient
Verb
  • These grew louder each time a Ferrari left its garage and entered the pit lane before softening again, a call and response that echoed around the circuit.
    — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, softening is still seen over the rest of the year.
    — Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of softening
Noun
  • Larger coupon payments now provide a cushion against further price declines, unlike the low-yield environment earlier this decade.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Removable cushions make spot-cleaning easier which is especially helpful with kids, pets, snacks, or all of the above.
    — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of cushion
Adjective
  • Libra September 23 – October 22 The routine that keeps draining you may need a more compassionate rhythm.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The vaccine is being used under a compassionate-use program, which allows a medical product to be used in a serious disease situation even though it has not been specifically approved for that particular use.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of compassionate
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
Noun
  • This season, the wraparound shield-like sunglasses are having their moment.
    — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
  • These durable impact shields limit the minimum bending radius to prevent over-flexing while shielding the chain body from severe external abrasion.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of shield
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

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Cite this Entry

“Cushioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushioning. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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