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 hybrid design pairs a stretchy, breathable upper with springy cushioning designed for explosive takeoffs. — Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Aug. 2026 Side sleepers typically need a little more cushioning, making soft to medium-firm mattresses a good place to start. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
The primary advancement over the past decade has been in the materials used in the midsole, the part above the sole itself that provides cushioning to the foot. — Scott Douglas, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026 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 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
  • Of these, two were critical-rated and both were of the buffer overflow variety.
    — Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The land also provides a buffer from heat and flooding worsened by climate change.
    — Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 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
  • That’s because the scent leads with a masculine-leaning opening of almond blossom, pink pepper, and neroli, before softening to its woody vanilla base.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Nike had been using Bugs Bunny in a series of commercials starring Michael Jordan as a means of softening the basketball legend’s intense on-court image and marketing his Air Jordans to families.
    — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of softening
Noun
  • Outfitted with removable striped Sunbrella cushion covers that are UV-resistant and a cinch to clean, this sun lounger is the type of design that will keep your pool open as long as possible.
    — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026
  • An emergeny fund provides a cushion if you're hit with a surprise expense or your usual source of income dries up.
    — Dan Avery, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of cushion
Adjective
  • Clancy was an attentive mother and a compassionate nurse, said Margaret Hamp, a nurse who worked with the defendant.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • His friends in Hawaii remember him as thoughtful, kind, and compassionate.
    — Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Noun
  • Not wanting to go through a repeat of uncertainty for FY27, Roman mission management began eyeing faster routes to the launch pad.
    — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The granite landing pad is not yet complete, though it was partially unveiled during a press tour led by the president last week.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of pad
Noun
  • An adult purple gallinule has a bright purple and green body with a pale blue marking that resembles a shield above its red and yellow bill.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Protective, almost — which makes sense, as its stunning chandeliers are designed to look like the shields and spears of African Masai warriors.
    — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of shield
Noun
  • The Champions League draw is only days away — and fans don’t have long to wait for international football’s return, either, with a bumper break from September 21 to October 6.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Last year, Ian Stamy took the state prize for his bumper soybean yield, coaxing an average of just over 100 bushels per acre from his operation in central Pennsylvania.
    — Scott Neuman, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of bumper

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Cushioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushioning. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

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