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 shoe’s neutral design features just the right amount of cushioning that helps keep you stable across different surfaces, and its mesh upper keeps your feet cool and dry. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026 The popular and podiatrist-approved shoe has plenty of plush foam cushioning throughout the midsole and a rocker sole that takes pressure off of the ball of the foot and helps stabilize the ankle. — Cheryl Wagemann, InStyle, 11 July 2026
Verb
Tempur-Pedic’s reputation as a luxury mattress brand with exceptional performance can be attributed to its roots—the cushioning material was originally developed for NASA’s pilot test expeditions. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 June 2026 Messi welcomed the ball into his run, cushioning it with his thigh and then — sublimely, almost in slow motion — nudging it ahead with his left foot. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 23 June 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
  • Without this buffer, storm surge and coastal erosion hit harder, which can threaten homes, roads and other infrastructure — and in worse cases, can force communities to relocate.
    — Laurie Mermet, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026
  • This gives you a buffer as well as more freedom to time international transfers.
    — Shane Clark, Forbes.com, 8 July 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
  • This recipe doesn’t require much prep outside of softening the butter.
    — Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2026
  • Check monthly for signs of shriveling (add moisture), blackening or softening (discard).
    — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2026
Definition of softening
Noun
  • Eileen Tyrrell, a 27-year-old bookseller, pulled the cushions off her couch to arrange makeshift seating in her Brooklyn apartment.
    — Grey Battle, Washington Post, 16 July 2026
  • While prices continue to rise about 2% to 3% year-over-year, that inflation cushion for the industry is no longer enough to keep overall sales growing.
    — Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 16 July 2026
Definition of cushion
Adjective
  • In your 12th House of Solitude, compassionate Venus trines vulnerable Chiron in your 8th House of Intimacy and Shared Resources, aligning reflection with deeper trust.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026
  • Grossman’s soldiers might not be tidy paragons of bravery, but they’re portrayed with an unwavering, compassionate regard.
    — Madeleine Wulfahrt, New Yorker, 8 July 2026
Definition of compassionate
Noun
  • The Raptor 3s on that mission experienced in-flight issues, but the startup sequence on the launch pad went off without a hitch.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
  • Some companies are already using the SEC as the launching pad for their event contracts.
    — Ananya Chetia,Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 16 July 2026
Definition of pad
Noun
  • The particles pose one of the more severe threats for human activities in space, Brandt said, but the boundary of the heliosphere acts as a shield to protect our solar system from 70% of them.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • That’s why researchers are engineering the cancer-fighting cells to be smarter, and stronger, with a better sugar shield.
    — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
Definition of shield
Noun
  • That front bumper is reworked with red accents, and there are dashes of carbon fiber everywhere.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2026
  • Interiors can be enrobed in leather matching the pattern of a handbag, while backup cameras are embedded into chrome bumpers.
    — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 10 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 17 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cushioning

Nglish: Translation of cushioning for Spanish Speakers

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