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
The Quince Nappa Double-Buckle Slides cost $60 versus the $175 Arizona style—and has earned glowing reviews from buyers for cushioning and comfort. — Kaitlin Marks, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2026 Too much cushioning can sap energy, affect movement and even increase the risk of injury. — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 22 July 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
  • When buffers are thin, rain arriving on time in one region becomes everyone else's insurance policy.
    — Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Also, build a few extra days of buffer into your target closing date.
    — Sharon Wu, USA Today, 31 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
  • History has a way of softening the edges of even the fiercest rivalries.
    — Marcus Thompson II, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The drop was driven by worsening infrastructure, softening housing and a high cost of living.
    — Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of softening
Noun
  • This sturdy shoe, which has recently rocketed back into the fashion stratosphere for the first time since the early aughts, offers extra height but with far more cushion and stability.
    — Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The cushions, on the other hand, arrived curbside (but well-packaged) in three large boxes and were wrapped in a protective plastic.
    — Alyssa Marino Williams, Architectural Digest, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of cushion
Adjective
  • Megrahi’s second appeal was later dropped as he was released on compassionate grounds due to a terminal prostate cancer diagnosis in 2009, according to NPR.
    — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 30 July 2026
  • Ultimately, navigating these challenging times with patience, humility, and authentic presence builds a resilient and compassionate organizational culture.
    — Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of compassionate
Noun
  • In the weeks since, crews have been building a sprawling helicopter landing pad, meaning even more grass has been removed from the lawn.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The explosion — which destroyed the rocket and some key pieces of pad infrastructure — occurred on May 28 during a routine engine test at Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of pad
Noun
  • The facility will next undergo containment pressure tests to ensure the outer shield can withstand extreme pressure spikes.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Coleus, Artemisia, Persian shield (Strobilanthes auriculata var.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of shield
Noun
  • Cars, lined up bumper to bumper, stretched for about a mile past SoFi Stadium.
    — Shi Bradley, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The bumper result comes as energy majors receive a profit boost from soaring fossil fuel prices amid the Iran war.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 30 July 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 7 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 invidious

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
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
fridge-magnet-letters
Drop a Letter Quiz August 2026 Drop a letter from a word to make a totally diffe...
See All