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

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
Combined with plush cushioning, these thoughtful details make Bombas socks stand out from the average pair. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 13 Oct. 2026 Similar in appearance to classic Hoka styles, the Nortiv 8 ActiveBreeze Running Shoes are a budget-friendly option for travelers looking for maximum cushioning. — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 10 Oct. 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
Investigators believe Ramirez tightly embraced her daughter during the fall, likely cushioning the baby from the impact, ABC7 NY reported. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2026 Its plush filling adds an extra layer of cushioning that shoppers have compared to sleeping on a cloud. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 19 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
  • Creative freedom runs on a cash buffer, not on a good quarter.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • With sanctions limiting borrowing and liquid reserves dwindling, analysts warn Russia could exhaust its financial buffers by early 2028 without further tax increases or spending cuts.
    — David McHugh, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 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 shot nails the mural’s vibrant colors and crisp wood-grain details, but upon close inspection, there's some noise and softening on the edges.
    — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide is a rich overnight cream that helps replenish dry skin while softening the look of crepiness, fine lines, and rough texture.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of softening
Noun
  • Click To Flip Over When sitting, keep your head aligned with your hips, take frequent breaks, keep your screen at eye level, relax your shoulders, and use a cushion to support your lower back.
    — Health Editorial Team, HEALTH, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Tech companies are turning over the couch cushions in their hunt for money to fund the AI buildout.
    — Ellen DiMauro, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of cushion
Adjective
  • Communities become more inclusive, compassionate, and connected.
    — Jeffrey Zirulnick, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Gentle parenting has become a buzzword on social media, often presented as a calm, connected, and compassionate alternative to traditional discipline.
    — Alex Vance, Parents, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Noun
  • On May 28, New Glenn exploded on the pad during a routine engine test at Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Masks and boots can now also be toggled on and off by pressing the direction pad up or down.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of pad
Noun
  • Multiple light fixtures throughout facility lacking protective shield.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The helmets include the new shield logo which will be on the sleeves of the jersey.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of shield
Noun
  • This bumper trip with Viking visits three countries, two rivers and a host of Christmas markets across 11 days.
    — Rebekah Evans, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Ukraine is expecting another bumper harvest, with around 84 million tons of grain and oilseed forecast for 2026-27 season.
    — Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 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 7 Nov. 2026.

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