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
These sneakers have earned a loyal following among those who seek just the right balance of soft cushioning and structure. — Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026 Traditional midsoles were made of ethylene-vinyl acetate and could be higher, to provide more cushioning, or lower, to save weight. — Scott Douglas, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026
Verb
But imports of solar, batteries and EVs have been cushioning the blow. — Julia Simon, NPR, 9 July 2026 For comfort during holiday celebrations, grab the KuaiLu Arch-Support Flip-Flops, which feature cushioning that holds up to 20,000-step days. — Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 2 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
  • The developers plan to add more vegetative buffer between Irongate and neighboring developments, Combs said.
    — Joe Marusak July 25, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026
  • Oil buffer is running out Strategic reserve releases have provided a critical buffer, with hundreds of millions of barrels released globally to offset supply disruptions.
    — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 24 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
  • Lander did not feel the need to appease the Zionist mob by softening his rhetoric.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 July 2026
  • The singer styled a floral tank top from Chloé with black stovepipe jeans, softening the dark wash with a touch of flower power.
    — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 20 July 2026
Definition of softening
Noun
  • Standout picks include a cozy loveseat with ultra-thick cushions, a water-resistant bean bag chair with a matching ottoman, and a small-space-friendly bistro set with gently rocking seats.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 July 2026
  • Armani’s Rondevù armchair and Rondevù vis à vis bench are defined by their fluid curves and soft, inviting cushions.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 23 July 2026
Definition of cushion
Adjective
  • However, patients such as those enrolled in this trial, doctors and others may contact the drug company with a request for compassionate use.
    — Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
  • The most compassionate thing a leader can do is make the right call with dignity.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of compassionate
Noun
  • Harvick, who on May 19th was named to the latest class in the NASCAR Hall Of Fame and will be inducted next January, believes his first Brickyard 400 win on August 3, 2003, served as the launching pad to his Hall of Fame career.
    — Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
  • Burial is far and away the blueprint here, evident in the vespertine pads, tape hiss, and hauntological vocal flips, deployed as if overheard from a distant astral plane.
    — Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 23 July 2026
Definition of pad
Noun
  • However, with Messi's impending retirement, this protective shield is gone.
    — Shann Biglione, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • The tough andesite provides a 5,275-foot shield for these tunnels, offering extra security.
    — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 23 July 2026
Definition of shield
Noun
  • The Equinox driver then lost control and veered hard to the left, striking the rear passenger side bumper of a 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse that was in the center lane, state police said.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2026
  • Oil prices were higher on Friday, firmly on track to register bumper weekly gains.
    — Sam Meredith,Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 17 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 26 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cushioning

Nglish: Translation of cushioning for Spanish Speakers

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