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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
Hoka sneakers are well known for their impressive cushioning that creates an almost cloud-like wearing experience, and that’s exactly why Sharkey loves them. — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026 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
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
  • This structure buffers portfolio companies from participants’ immediate liquidity needs.
    — Nate Heeren, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Earlier this year, tariff refunds provided a temporary cost buffer for Home Depot, but company executives noted that these gains are expected to be offset by unplanned spikes in fuel, energy, and other input costs.
    — , CNBC, 21 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 women supposedly work more in caretaker jobs like teaching and healthcare, softening their views toward the least of us.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Creamy sandalwood is the star here, with cinnamon adding warmth and ylang-ylang softening things up.
    — Amanda Le, InStyle, 24 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
  • Playing Edward as the courtly and compassionate polar-opposite of his awful sister Fanny, MacKay brings a gentle diffidence that syncs beautifully with Edgar-Jones’ delicate reserve.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Her reasoning was that Ted's compassionate coaching style is possible only because Rebecca, as the club's owner, permits it.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Noun
  • In addition to seasoned actors, including Stephen Amel and Shay Mitchell, the show is also a launching pad for acting newcomers, Brooks Nader, Livvy Dunne and Noah Beck.
    — Lori A Bashian , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Today's wet dress rehearsal, which involves fully fueling Starship on the launch pad for a full countdown simulation run, is expected to wrap up later this morning.
    — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 24 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

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cushioning
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Cite this Entry

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

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