CUSHIONING Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

cushioning 1 of 3

noun

Definition of cushioning

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

Combined with plush cushioning, these thoughtful details make Bombas socks stand out from the average pair. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 13 Oct. 2026 Similar in appearance to classic Hoka styles, the Nortiv 8 ActiveBreeze Running Shoes are a budget-friendly option for travelers looking for maximum cushioning. — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 10 Oct. 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

Investigators believe Ramirez tightly embraced her daughter during the fall, likely cushioning the baby from the impact, ABC7 NY reported. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2026 Its plush filling adds an extra layer of cushioning that shoppers have compared to sleeping on a cloud. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cushioning

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushioning

Noun

Creative freedom runs on a cash buffer, not on a good quarter.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
With sanctions limiting borrowing and liquid reserves dwindling, analysts warn Russia could exhaust its financial buffers by early 2028 without further tax increases or spending cuts.

— David McHugh, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 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

This shot nails the mural’s vibrant colors and crisp wood-grain details, but upon close inspection, there's some noise and softening on the edges.

— Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide is a rich overnight cream that helps replenish dry skin while softening the look of crepiness, fine lines, and rough texture.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of softening

Noun

But the Knicks blew open the game by outscoring the Pistons 37-13 in the third quarter to open a 25-point cushion against the team who handled them better than anyone else last season.

— CBS News, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
Partly inspired by her time working as a museum security guard, they are often accompanied by water bottles, cushions, books, or other belongings that give a sense of the presence of the person who sits there.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of cushion

Adjective

Gentle parenting has become a buzzword on social media, often presented as a calm, connected, and compassionate alternative to traditional discipline.

— Alex Vance, Parents, 25 Oct. 2026
Others discussed overcoming the initial awkwardness of the work and finding satisfaction in helping doctors become more competent and compassionate.

— Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of compassionate

Noun

In the aftermath, Blue Origin has moved with uncharacteristic speed to repair its launch pad to get New Glenn flying again, while investing $3 billion in Florida facilities to support a much higher launch cadence.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 29 Oct. 2026
Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, meanwhile, launched three times from January 2025 to April 2026, before a massive explosion on the launch pad during a test of its first stage engines occurred in May 2026.

— Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of pad

Noun

Each panel is different, their subtly shifting shapes recalling those of the shuttle’s heat-shield tiles.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Lily sacrificed her life on that day to protect wee Harry, just a baby at the time of her death, with a love shield.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of shield

Noun

This bumper trip with Viking visits three countries, two rivers and a host of Christmas markets across 11 days.

— Rebekah Evans, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
Ukraine is expecting another bumper harvest, with around 84 million tons of grain and oilseed forecast for 2026-27 season.

— Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of bumper

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“Cushioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushioning. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of cushioning

noun

adjective

verb

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