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

Relevance

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
From the cloud-like cushioning of New Balance sneakers to the dressier Tory Burch style that doubles as streetwear, read on for the breeziest walking and running shoes designed for all-day comfort. — Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Aug. 2026 People with high arches should look for cushioning, support, and stability since their feet absorb shock less effectively. — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 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
  • Options are available for the whole family including the delectable Daisy collection – including pedi buffers, DC and Harry Potter designs, men's scents, spongelato and more.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Energy security also requires strong buffers against supply disruptions.
    — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 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
  • Now, parts and service departments and finance and insurance packages are becoming more important sources of profit for car dealers, as profits from new vehicle sales show signs of softening.
    — Robert Ferris, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to softening the shape, Zurek also explored new types of leathers and finishes.
    — Talia Abbas, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of softening
Noun
  • Their strong shell and EVA cushion provide maximum protection and comfort on the field.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The Bose QuietComfort over-ear headphones combine legendary noise cancellation with plush ear cushions designed for fatigue-free all-day study sessions.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of cushion
Adjective
  • Clancy was an attentive mother and a compassionate nurse, said Margaret Hamp, a nurse who worked with the defendant.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
  • His friends in Hawaii remember him as thoughtful, kind, and compassionate.
    — Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Noun
  • In March 2026, the Canadian government announced a 10-year, CAD $200M lease agreement with Maritime Launch Services for a dedicated launch pad at Spaceport Nova Scotia.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Negotiations over the Draco pad had been underway for nearly two years.
    — Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of pad
Noun
  • Musk has long identified the heat shield as the company’s most pressing unsolved problem with Starship.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Alaïa’s leather Le Teckel bag is very much still en vogue, as are these face-framing shield sunglasses from Thistles.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of shield
Noun
  • Driving fatigue is very real, thanks to so many Mad Maxes riding bumpers or blowing through red lights or completely ignoring the speed limit.
    — Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Ford also admitted there’s been rear wing modifications via the DRS system and an additional set of dive planes mounted on the front bumper.
    — Joel Feder, The Drive, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of bumper

Browse Nearby Words

cushioned
cushioning
cushionings
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cushioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushioning. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on cushioning

Nglish: Translation of cushioning for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of august

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All