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
The sole offers premium cushioning for comfort, while the insole molds to your foot for a customized fit. — Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2026 Kostoulas makes room away from the challenging Pinnock by cushioning a header into his own path. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 14 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
  • While this trend signals mounting pressure across financing conditions, analysts note that a modest retrenchment in market risk exposure represents a healthy calibration, serving as a buffer to mitigate concentrated risk spillovers.
    — , CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The assessment is the latest dose of bad news for coral reefs, which are critical sources for seafood and tourism and often serve as buffers from coastal erosion and storms.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 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
  • On that topic of change, McIlroy began softening his stance about LIV players returning to the PGA Tour months ago.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The milestone arrives at a precarious time for Australia’s festival sector, which has seen a wave of cancellations and closures in recent years amid rising costs and softening ticket sales.
    — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of softening
Noun
  • Interiors are simple—there’s just a huge double bed, a daybed, and plump floor cushions.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Caminero gave Tampa Bay a cushion with his first career postseason homer in the seventh inning.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of cushion
Adjective
  • Others discussed overcoming the initial awkwardness of the work and finding satisfaction in helping doctors become more competent and compassionate.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • At the same time, the lawsuits contend that chatbots are pretending to be agreeable and compassionate while preying on the vulnerable and on teenagers, the first generation to grow up with artificial intelligence.
    — Marc Levy, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Noun
  • The sensor has a 90-degree horizontal and 50-degree vertical field of view and is powered by a single CR123A battery, which is included along with adhesive mounting pads and a user guide.
    — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Brady Tkachuk quickly spun to face Ullmark and shoved the puck under the goalie’s pads for his seventh goal of the season.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of pad
Noun
  • Dozens of armored cops were still standing guard, shields raised, after a night when 500 people were taken into custody in the French capital alone.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Tortoiseshell shield sunglasses and a timeless black tote complete the casual-meets-cool outfit.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of shield
Noun
  • Growing up in Birmingham in the Nick Saban era made the pain of each loss worse, as the Crimson Tide was plastered over every bumper and yard sign and half of the shirts of my classmates.
    — Austin Evans, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Also, passenger road vehicles use safety features like steel bumpers and crumple zones to absorb impact forces during collisions.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of bumper

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Cushioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushioning. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

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