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

The Air Max Plus was designed by Sean McDowell and first released in 1998, serving as an introduction to Nike’s latest cushioning breakthrough, Tuned Air. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 4 Oct. 2026 Offering max-level cushioning without the bulk, these sneakers are easy to pair with plenty of pieces in your travel wardrobe and add a dose of personality that’s bound to draw compliments. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 28 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

Kostoulas makes room away from the challenging Pinnock by cushioning a header into his own path. — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 The script by Strippoli and Salvatore de Chirico shrewdly underplays that hand, instead cushioning the vanity factor in sincere parental concern for the children’s health, well-being and preordained path to success. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cushioning

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushioning

Noun

With both producing and consuming nations approaching the limits of their available policy tools, operational buffers are rapidly narrowing.

— , CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
Saliva constantly flushes food debris and buffers acid, so chronic dryness tilts the environment toward decay.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 5 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

In the late 1970s, Giorgio Armani stripped the structure out of the traditional suit, softening its shoulders and loosening its trousers.

— John Vorwald, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2026
Even with used vehicle prices softening slightly, high borrowing costs keep monthly payments out of reach for many prospective buyers.

— Michael Khouw, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of softening

Noun

Designer sisters Ana and Cristina Calderon have created a variation on Pinto Coelho’s theme, with four-posters in neutral hues, bright blankets and cushions, and Gustavian armchairs.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
The co-CEOs have modeled a cash ramp-up in coming years but meanwhile there’s not a big cushion if churn rises, cable-network declines accelerate, the box office softens again or there’s macroeconomic or geopolitical disruption.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of cushion

Noun

The s and z sounds of cedar scent, soothed, breeze, petals, pads, crossed, shore, and small create a peaceful line of sound that mimics the smooth flow of a river.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
Usual wireless charging pads mostly use heavy ferrite cores to direct magnetic fields.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of pad

Noun

Therapists begin facials with face-scanning wands and other probes, to measure your lipid shield, pigmentation, hydration and elasticity, and then cater their approach to the precise needs of your skin in that moment.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
In Paris, tear gas filled the air, and trash cans, school desks and chairs were set alight as riot police with shields and batons clashed with some demonstrators.

— Melissa Bell, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of shield

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“Cushioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushioning. Accessed 13 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of cushioning

noun

adjective

verb

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