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as in exaggeration
the representation of something in terms that go beyond the facts
that feature writer is sometimes guilty of padding, since his stories often contain colorful details that can't be verified
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in exaggerating
to add to the interest of by including made-up details
the journalist was fired for padding certain stories to make them more interesting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in walking
to go on foot
a cat padded silently by
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of padding
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2025
Even with that extra padding, the fit stayed smooth, with no slipping in boots, even on steeper terrain, and the lighter upper kept her feet moving comfortably without bulk.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 18 Dec. 2025
David Sims, The Atlantic, 1 Oct. 2025
Mahomes is also padding his long list of sponsors, partnering with Airbnb and Hublot and agreeing to autograph Panini trading cards for the first time in five years.
—Brett Knight, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for padding
Noun
Pack Boxes For Moving And Storage Tissue paper makes great padding for shipping packages or storing delicate items.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2025
Even with that extra padding, the fit stayed smooth, with no slipping in boots, even on steeper terrain, and the lighter upper kept her feet moving comfortably without bulk.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 18 Dec. 2025
Verb
This direction—padding the ensemble with social-media-friendly faces—represents more of a nudge toward the future than a massive overhaul.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 1 Oct. 2025
Mahomes is also padding his long list of sponsors, partnering with Airbnb and Hublot and agreeing to autograph Panini trading cards for the first time in five years.
—Brett Knight, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for padding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for padding
Noun
-
Super filling and nutritionally balanced.—
SELF Staff,
SELF,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Molinaroli sees his effort as a laboratory for social change because education for him is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.—
William Jones,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Speaking of which, the concept of royalty among members of PFV is no exaggeration, though some of the blue blood flowing through members’ veins is merely aristocratic.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
27 Dec. 2025
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The deliberate exaggeration of both Lee’s performance and Park’s direction is what draws us into a suspension of moral disbelief, a sense of complicity with Man-su’s outrageous scheme.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
23 Dec. 2025
Noun
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The waterproof jacket is filled with 650-fill-power down for a plush and cozy feel.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
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Materials used included recycled nylon, Responsible Down Standard fill and mycelium vegan leather.—
Sarah Jones,
Footwear News,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Knitted garments are best stored folded to prevent stretching.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
8 Jan. 2026
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New research suggests that light daily movement, such as gentle stretching, a leisurely stroll, or easy household chores like vacuuming are linked to a lower risk of death in people with these overlapping conditions, called cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome.—
Tom Gavin,
EverydayHealth.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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On the packing front, my plans involve narrowing down my ever-expanding arsenal of travel essentials.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Jan. 2026
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If luggage isn’t on your wish list, pick up these nifty packing cubes to help optimize your suitcase real estate, along with this clever toiletry bag that even Oprah has raved about.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Rafael Arechiga was charged with murder with a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a deadly weapon.—
City News Service,
Oc Register,
13 Jan. 2026
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Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office had charged Mangione with terrorism enhancements in order to justify a first-degree murder charge under state law, which could have been punished with a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The shorter the ingredient list, the less room there is for unnecessary additives like stabilizers, sweeteners, or fillers that diminish the natural nutrition of the peanuts themselves.—
Lauren Panoff,
Verywell Health,
8 Jan. 2026
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The textiles are then cleaned, sorted, and recycled into raw materials for products (such as insulation, mattress fillers, and pet bedding).—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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But in contrast to these common caricatures, surveys of public opinion consistently show that most people around the world hold positive views of wolves, often overwhelmingly so.—
Justin Angle,
The Conversation,
6 Jan. 2026
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Chamberlain also included a drawing of the girls in the group done on a paper tablecloth which included caricatures of Carpenter, Sandoval, Chamberlain and Sarah, as well as Carpenter's friend Amber Mark.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Padding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/padding. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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