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

Related Words

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

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 cushioning
Noun
The Quince Nappa Double-Buckle Slides cost $60 versus the $175 Arizona style—and has earned glowing reviews from buyers for cushioning and comfort. — Kaitlin Marks, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2026 Too much cushioning can sap energy, affect movement and even increase the risk of injury. — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Verb
This slip-in pair goes on hands-free, while the memory foam insole delivers cushioning for optimal comfort. — Erin Cavoto, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026 Each orthotic produced is hand designed by pedorthists in Germany using CAD software that adjusts structure, density and cushioning to fit each person’s unique feet profile. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 16 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
  • When buffers are thin, rain arriving on time in one region becomes everyone else's insurance policy.
    — Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Also, build a few extra days of buffer into your target closing date.
    — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 31 July 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
  • Lander did not feel the need to appease the Zionist mob by softening his rhetoric.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 July 2026
  • The singer styled a floral tank top from Chloé with black stovepipe jeans, softening the dark wash with a touch of flower power.
    — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 20 July 2026
Definition of softening
Noun
  • Despite the Middle East conflict, spending has remained resilient, in part thanks to ​bigger tax refunds this year, which provided a cushion for consumers against higher gasoline prices stemming from the war.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 30 July 2026
  • Despite the Middle East conflict, spending has remained resilient, in part thanks to bigger tax refunds this year, which provided a cushion for consumers against higher gasoline prices stemming from the war.
    — Lucia Mutikani, USA Today, 30 July 2026
Definition of cushion
Adjective
  • Megrahi’s second appeal was later dropped as he was released on compassionate grounds due to a terminal prostate cancer diagnosis in 2009, according to NPR.
    — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026
  • Ultimately, navigating these challenging times with patience, humility, and authentic presence builds a resilient and compassionate organizational culture.
    — Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of compassionate
Noun
  • But even in the passing portion of camp, before the pads come on, the Chiefs lined up under center.
    — Sam McDowell July 31, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • With the pads not coming on until next week, the early practice sessions put more focus on technique and conditioning before the physicality ramps up on Monday.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026
Definition of pad
Noun
  • Operating continuously beneath complex sub-river geology of riverbed silt and sand, the shield machine operated without intermediate access shafts.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026
  • Digital shield firewall with central computer processor and futuristic motherboard.
    — Chuck Brooks, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of shield
Noun
  • Cars, lined up bumper to bumper, stretched for about a mile past SoFi Stadium.
    — Shi Bradley, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The bumper result comes as energy majors receive a profit boost from soaring fossil fuel prices amid the Iran war.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 30 July 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 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cushioning

Nglish: Translation of cushioning for Spanish Speakers

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