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

Underfoot, a cushion midsole works alongside an articulated forefoot Air Zoom Turbo unit to deliver responsive cushioning, close-to-the-ground court feel. — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 At more than 15% off, this rounded dining chair with a comfy rounded seat, just the right amount of cushioning, and a midcentury-esque shape is a yes from us. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 27 June 2026

Verb

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 The knit spandex upper is breathable and soft against skin, while the insoles feature lightweight Ultra Go cushioning for a noticeable rebound effect with every step. — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cushioning

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushioning

Noun

Fortuitously, the small kiosk where Gil was encased acted as a kind of buffer, offering some measure of protection from the accumulation of debris looming above.

— Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
However, the leather piping on the base does offer a small buffer of protection.

— Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 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

The ingredient list includes avocado, which is rich in fats and helps boost flexibility—thereby helping to prevent breakage—as well as sweet almond oil and shea butter for moisturizing and softening.

— Eden Stuart, Glamour, 7 July 2026
In addition to softening and romanticizing looks, these bottoms are extremely comfortable.

— Irene Richardson, InStyle, 4 July 2026

Definition of softening

Noun

Spending less money on gas now gives you a financial cushion should prices rise again later.

— Joe Hernandez, NPR, 9 July 2026
Rival broadcasters Channel 4 and Channel 5 — both reliant on advertising revenue and lacking Sky’s pay-TV cushion — are expected to raise competition concerns.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026

Definition of cushion

Adjective

Weeks’ mother described her daughter as passionate about music and justice, witty and compassionate.

— Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
Such a bond occurs when a judge grants a compassionate release for inmates who are in failing health and no longer a threat to the community.

— Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026

Definition of compassionate

Noun

The top-of-the-stack Nobu Villa—more than 10,000 square feet of rooftop garden, terrace, and showpiece entertaining space—is one of the city’s splashiest party pads, but the quiet win is how good the regular rooms feel for the rate.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
Signs paws have already been burned include limping, refusing to walk, licking or chewing feet, darker or damaged pads and visible blisters or redness.

— Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

Definition of pad

Noun

Defense stocks have enjoyed a bumper year in 2026, as conflicts from Ukraine to Iran increase demand for munitions worldwide.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 6 July 2026
The debut Elora neatly brings together a white RV box and a white chassis, offsetting all that brightness with numerous windows enclosed by black surrounds matching the Promaster front bumper.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 July 2026

Definition of bumper

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“Cushioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushioning. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of cushioning

noun

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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