CUSHIONING Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

cushioning 1 of 3

noun

Definition of cushioning

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

Hoka sneakers are well known for their impressive cushioning that creates an almost cloud-like wearing experience, and that’s exactly why Sharkey loves them. — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Sep. 2026 Some of the selling features of the new shoe range include Enrgcore for cushioning and energy return, Technisupport for torsional control, and Duracomp, a high-resistance rubber compound that delivers grip and protection. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 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

It’s built with a ton of cushioning to soften impact from running or walking. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2026 This fan favorite from Vivaia comes in to save the day and your bunions alike — flaunting a super-stretchy, custom-fit shaft plus upper, impressive arch support, and special honeycomb cushioning to mimic the sensation of walking on clouds. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cushioning

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushioning

Noun

This structure buffers portfolio companies from participants’ immediate liquidity needs.

— Nate Heeren, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Earlier this year, tariff refunds provided a temporary cost buffer for Home Depot, but company executives noted that these gains are expected to be offset by unplanned spikes in fuel, energy, and other input costs.

— , CNBC, 21 Sep. 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

The women supposedly work more in caretaker jobs like teaching and healthcare, softening their views toward the least of us.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Creamy sandalwood is the star here, with cinnamon adding warmth and ylang-ylang softening things up.

— Amanda Le, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of softening

Adjective

Playing Edward as the courtly and compassionate polar-opposite of his awful sister Fanny, MacKay brings a gentle diffidence that syncs beautifully with Edgar-Jones’ delicate reserve.

— David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
Her reasoning was that Ted's compassionate coaching style is possible only because Rebecca, as the club's owner, permits it.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of compassionate

Noun

In addition to seasoned actors, including Stephen Amel and Shay Mitchell, the show is also a launching pad for acting newcomers, Brooks Nader, Livvy Dunne and Noah Beck.

— Lori A Bashian , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Today's wet dress rehearsal, which involves fully fueling Starship on the launch pad for a full countdown simulation run, is expected to wrap up later this morning.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of pad

Noun

What many people enjoying these beaches don't realize is that this iconic stretch of sand is also a critical line of defense—a massive engineering shield protecting our vital infrastructure.

— Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
This celestial shield keeps harmful solar wind, cosmic rays and radiation at bay, preventing the atmosphere from being stripped away.

— Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of shield

Noun

The family said the diagnosis likely stems from his racing career — one in which drivers crushed bumpers and raced like gladiators without the safety protections found in the sport now.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026
Two officers, Stefan Carutasu and Dominique Billew, responded and found Blanco standing near a parked car, repeatedly slashing at an area under the bumper.

— Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of bumper

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“Cushioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushioning. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of cushioning

noun

adjective

verb

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