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
The three-zone mattress is all about lumbar and hip support with ribbed cushioning. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 14 July 2026 Their footbed is crafted from a responsive yoga mat material that provides extra cushioning, premium arch support, and a lightweight, springy feel with every step. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026
Verb
Tempur-Pedic’s reputation as a luxury mattress brand with exceptional performance can be attributed to its roots—the cushioning material was originally developed for NASA’s pilot test expeditions. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 June 2026 Messi welcomed the ball into his run, cushioning it with his thigh and then — sublimely, almost in slow motion — nudging it ahead with his left foot. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 23 June 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
  • If your ambition strains your calendar, map the work in blocks and protect a buffer.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026
  • Portions of the road through unincorporated Lemon HIll, South Oak Park and North and South City Farms have four traffic lanes, a central turn lane and bike lanes without buffers separating bicyclists from traffic.
    — Madison Smalstig July 16, Sacbee.com, 16 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
  • This recipe doesn’t require much prep outside of softening the butter.
    — Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2026
  • Check monthly for signs of shriveling (add moisture), blackening or softening (discard).
    — Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2026
Definition of softening
Noun
  • Eileen Tyrrell, a 27-year-old bookseller, pulled the cushions off her couch to arrange makeshift seating in her Brooklyn apartment.
    — Grey Battle, Washington Post, 16 July 2026
  • While prices continue to rise about 2% to 3% year-over-year, that inflation cushion for the industry is no longer enough to keep overall sales growing.
    — Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 16 July 2026
Definition of cushion
Adjective
  • The show featured the late Chief Judge Frank Caprio, who was known for his compassionate and humorous approach in the courtroom.
    — Paul Edward Parker, The Providence Journal, 16 July 2026
  • Neill is great at balancing the aggro energy of Zane with his intellectual, compassionate style.
    — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 14 July 2026
Definition of compassionate
Noun
  • The Raptor 3s on that mission experienced in-flight issues, but the startup sequence on the launch pad went off without a hitch.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
  • Some companies are already using the SEC as the launching pad for their event contracts.
    — Ananya Chetia,Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 16 July 2026
Definition of pad
Noun
  • The particles pose one of the more severe threats for human activities in space, Brandt said, but the boundary of the heliosphere acts as a shield to protect our solar system from 70% of them.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • That’s why researchers are engineering the cancer-fighting cells to be smarter, and stronger, with a better sugar shield.
    — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
Definition of shield
Noun
  • That front bumper is reworked with red accents, and there are dashes of carbon fiber everywhere.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2026
  • Interiors can be enrobed in leather matching the pattern of a handbag, while backup cameras are embedded into chrome bumpers.
    — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 10 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 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cushioning

Nglish: Translation of cushioning for Spanish Speakers

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