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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
Some of the selling features of the new shoe range include Enrgcore for cushioning and energy return, Technisupport for torsional control, and Duracomp, a high-resistance rubber compound that delivers grip and protection. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026 Plus, supportive cushioning ensures every step is comfortable, and reviewers have worn them to work, as well as walking around Italy, Scotland, Greece, the UK, and more—all without pain. — Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 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
It’s built with a ton of cushioning to soften impact from running or walking. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2026 This fan favorite from Vivaia comes in to save the day and your bunions alike — flaunting a super-stretchy, custom-fit shaft plus upper, impressive arch support, and special honeycomb cushioning to mimic the sensation of walking on clouds. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 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
  • Maxar | Maxar | Getty Images Ample global inventories and stockpiles have historically acted as a crucial buffer to keep a lid on oil prices during previous crises.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026
  • However, any sense of security that three-year buffer may have offered was a mirage; Newcastle recognised that, with Hall having so many admirers across Europe, extending his contract had to be an immediate post-window priority.
    — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 11 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
  • The Sagittarius Moon trines Chiron in your partnership zone, softening the instinct to package every feeling so perfectly that nobody could possibly object.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • China's oil import diet in turn helped ease global demand, softening the upward price effects for the United States, Europe and beyond.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of softening
Noun
  • Either way, the equity cushion is thin, and the market now has to earn its gains through profits rather than multiples.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The city also installs dozens of speed cushions each month, in addition to other traffic-calming and pedestrian-safety measures.
    — D. Alex Quistberg, The Conversation, 21 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
  • According to the nonwovens industry association EDANA, the European Disposables and Nonwovens Association, Confitex’s reusable bed pad can absorb more than 2 liters of liquid and withstand up to 30 wash-and-dry cycles.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Those with a penchant for toner pads or exfoliation should turn to M-61’s PowerGlow Peel—one swipe for a visible glow, no rinse required.
    — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of pad
Noun
  • Some demonstrators cursed at police officers holding riot shields, while others yelled out as passing cars honked in support of the protest.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Sep. 2026
  • There are also three shields on the top deck, high up where everyone can stare accusatorily at whoever is brazen enough to grab one.
    — Alice Burton, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of shield
Noun
  • Helped by the single-cab Land Cruiser 79 up front, the entire EX 270 vehicle measures 580 cm (228 in) from bumper to bumper, shorter than many of the camper vans displayed prominently throughout multiple Caravan Salon halls.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2026
  • After that, the ball belonged to the machine, zinging and zooming wherever the bumpers sent it.
    — John Dickerson, The Atlantic, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of bumper

Browse Nearby Words

cushioned
cushioning
cushionings
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Cite this Entry

“Cushioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushioning. Accessed 25 Sep. 2026.

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