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
However, these shoes truly stand out from the crowd thanks to their supportive, contoured footbed, comfortable cushioning, and adjustable buckle slingback closure that provides amazing stability for all-day wear. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 30 July 2026 Adidas has multiple colorways and sizes of its bestselling sneaker on sale, with the same lightweight knit upper, super comfortable cushioning and distinctive silhouette that has made the Ultraboost a training and streetwear go-to for years. — Tim Chan, Footwear News, 25 July 2026
Verb
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 Each orthotic produced is hand designed by pedorthists in Germany using CAD software that adjusts structure, density and cushioning to fit each person’s unique feet profile. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 16 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
  • An additional 2-foot buffer allows for the homeowner who prefers more of a flood safety cushion and for any minor construction mistakes.
    — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • That eliminates the buffer between starter Elija Lofton, who played through injury all last season, and a pair of talented true freshmen in Israel Briggs and Gavin Mueller.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 8 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
  • History has a way of softening the edges of even the fiercest rivalries.
    — Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The drop was driven by worsening infrastructure, softening housing and a high cost of living.
    — Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of softening
Noun
  • This sturdy shoe, which has recently rocketed back into the fashion stratosphere for the first time since the early aughts, offers extra height but with far more cushion and stability.
    — Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The cushions, on the other hand, arrived curbside (but well-packaged) in three large boxes and were wrapped in a protective plastic.
    — Alyssa Marino Williams, Architectural Digest, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of cushion
Adjective
  • Leaders can be compassionate toward others through leadership and practicing openness, yet their presence will be tense or distant, constantly watching themselves.
    — Gregory Stebbins, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Rose said the company was compassionate and did an amazing job.
    — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Noun
  • In the weeks since, crews have been building a sprawling helicopter landing pad, meaning even more grass has been removed from the lawn.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The explosion — which destroyed the rocket and some key pieces of pad infrastructure — occurred on May 28 during a routine engine test at Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of pad
Noun
  • The facility will next undergo containment pressure tests to ensure the outer shield can withstand extreme pressure spikes.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Coleus, Artemisia, Persian shield (Strobilanthes auriculata var.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of shield
Noun
  • Cars, lined up bumper to bumper, stretched for about a mile past SoFi Stadium.
    — Shi Bradley, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The bumper result comes as energy majors receive a profit boost from soaring fossil fuel prices amid the Iran war.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 30 July 2026
Definition of bumper

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Cite this Entry

“Cushioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushioning. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cushioning

Nglish: Translation of cushioning for Spanish Speakers

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