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
  • An unexpected expense, a reduction in work hours or just higher costs across several monthly bills can gradually eat away at the financial cushion that once made everything manageable.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Neto gave the Angels a cushion in the eighth with his 24th homer to left-center off Raymond Burgos.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of cushion
Adjective
  • The program, also known as compassionate use, is a regulatory pathway that helps dying patients get unproven drugs outside of a clinical trial.
    — Gerry Smith, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026
  • While everyone else seemed to be compassionate and understanding, David sometimes was not.
    — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Noun
  • Robot hands range from fully articulated five-finger designs to simple pincer grippers, and tactile sensors can rely on fundamentally different physics, from measuring changes in resistance to recording images of a soft gel pad deforming.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Tariffs on cement, road salt and hospital pads were removed and replaced with duties on all-terrain vehicles, some cheeses and motorboats.
    — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of pad
Noun
  • The shield of every law enforcement agency is on the wall of the JTTF headquarters in Lower Manhattan.
    — Mark Morales, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Under fire from a mysterious attacker, Picard’s ship’s shields were down.
    — Matt von Hippel, ArsTechnica, 10 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 13 Sep. 2026.

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