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

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
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
  • Now, parts and service departments and finance and insurance packages are becoming more important sources of profit for car dealers, as profits from new vehicle sales show signs of softening.
    — Robert Ferris, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to softening the shape, Zurek also explored new types of leathers and finishes.
    — Talia Abbas, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of softening
Noun
  • Their strong shell and EVA cushion provide maximum protection and comfort on the field.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The Bose QuietComfort over-ear headphones combine legendary noise cancellation with plush ear cushions designed for fatigue-free all-day study sessions.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 19 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
  • In March 2026, the Canadian government announced a 10-year, CAD $200M lease agreement with Maritime Launch Services for a dedicated launch pad at Spaceport Nova Scotia.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Negotiations over the Draco pad had been underway for nearly two years.
    — Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of pad
Noun
  • Musk has long identified the heat shield as the company’s most pressing unsolved problem with Starship.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Alaïa’s leather Le Teckel bag is very much still en vogue, as are these face-framing shield sunglasses from Thistles.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 17 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

cushioned
cushioning
cushionings
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of tilde

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All