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 shoe’s neutral design features just the right amount of cushioning that helps keep you stable across different surfaces, and its mesh upper keeps your feet cool and dry. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026 The popular and podiatrist-approved shoe has plenty of plush foam cushioning throughout the midsole and a rocker sole that takes pressure off of the ball of the foot and helps stabilize the ankle. — Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 11 July 2026
Verb
Messi welcomed the ball into his run, cushioning it with his thigh and then — sublimely, almost in slow motion — nudging it ahead with his left foot. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 23 June 2026 The knit spandex upper is breathable and soft against skin, while the insoles feature lightweight Ultra Go cushioning for a noticeable rebound effect with every step. — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 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
  • Without this buffer, storm surge and coastal erosion hit harder, which can threaten homes, roads and other infrastructure — and in worse cases, can force communities to relocate.
    — Laurie Mermet, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026
  • This gives you a buffer as well as more freedom to time international transfers.
    — Shane Clark, Forbes.com, 8 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
  • The ingredient list includes avocado, which is rich in fats and helps boost flexibility—thereby helping to prevent breakage—as well as sweet almond oil and shea butter for moisturizing and softening.
    — Eden Stuart, Glamour, 7 July 2026
  • In addition to softening and romanticizing looks, these bottoms are extremely comfortable.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 4 July 2026
Definition of softening
Noun
  • Spending less money on gas now gives you a financial cushion should prices rise again later.
    — Joe Hernandez, NPR, 9 July 2026
  • Rival broadcasters Channel 4 and Channel 5 — both reliant on advertising revenue and lacking Sky’s pay-TV cushion — are expected to raise competition concerns.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026
Definition of cushion
Adjective
  • In your 12th House of Solitude, compassionate Venus trines vulnerable Chiron in your 8th House of Intimacy and Shared Resources, aligning reflection with deeper trust.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026
  • Grossman’s soldiers might not be tidy paragons of bravery, but they’re portrayed with an unwavering, compassionate regard.
    — Madeleine Wulfahrt, New Yorker, 8 July 2026
Definition of compassionate
Noun
  • The top-of-the-stack Nobu Villa—more than 10,000 square feet of rooftop garden, terrace, and showpiece entertaining space—is one of the city’s splashiest party pads, but the quiet win is how good the regular rooms feel for the rate.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
  • Signs paws have already been burned include limping, refusing to walk, licking or chewing feet, darker or damaged pads and visible blisters or redness.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026
Definition of pad
Noun
  • Once the shields are gone, players can lower its health to defeat it.
    — Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
  • Next is an incredible 30% clearance on the Sonos Ace Noise Cancelling headphones, a plush acoustic shield engineered to neutralize household background racket.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 8 July 2026
Definition of shield
Noun
  • Defense stocks have enjoyed a bumper year in 2026, as conflicts from Ukraine to Iran increase demand for munitions worldwide.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • The debut Elora neatly brings together a white RV box and a white chassis, offsetting all that brightness with numerous windows enclosed by black surrounds matching the Promaster front bumper.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 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 14 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cushioning

Nglish: Translation of cushioning for Spanish Speakers

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