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

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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 plate works in conjunction with full-length Air cushioning, which counters with its bounce and comfort. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026 Thus, consider factors like cushioning, heel height, and material quality when determining if a boot is worth the extra cash. — Essence Wiley, InStyle, 20 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
  • Palillo proposes a 20-foot vegetative buffer between his project and homes, and a 12-foot sound barrier wall, according to his plans on file with the Huntersville Planning Board.
    — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Charlie Fox, a 56-year-old San Clemente resident and marine meteorologist, said sand provides a critical buffer between whatever structures — train tracks, homes, lifeguard headquarters — are built along the coast.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 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
  • This pair is covered in a soft, fuzzy liner for extra cushion.
    — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Kane trimmed the deficit to one early in the third with a slick backhand, but Hanifin answered shortly thereafter to restore the two-goal cushion.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of cushion
Adjective
  • Rodriguez described her daughter as kind, compassionate and full of life.
    — Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026
  • His story demonstrates that innovation in caregiving can make communities more compassionate, connected and responsive.
    — The Sacramento Bee staff, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Noun
  • These microstructures generate molecular-level van der Waals forces that bind the foot pads to surrounding surfaces.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026
  • It’s equipped with a cushioned running belt and shock-absorbing pads for smooth walks.
    — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of pad
Noun
  • What many people enjoying these beaches don't realize is that this iconic stretch of sand is also a critical line of defense—a massive engineering shield protecting our vital infrastructure.
    — Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • This celestial shield keeps harmful solar wind, cosmic rays and radiation at bay, preventing the atmosphere from being stripped away.
    — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of shield
Noun
  • The family said the diagnosis likely stems from his racing career — one in which drivers crushed bumpers and raced like gladiators without the safety protections found in the sport now.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Two officers, Stefan Carutasu and Dominique Billew, responded and found Blanco standing near a parked car, repeatedly slashing at an area under the bumper.
    — Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of bumper

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

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

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