1
2
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
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 padding
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
22 June 2026
While previous versions featured rigid buttons and clumsy text padding that often disrupted layouts, the modernized editor completely addresses these design headaches.
—
Gabriel Zamora,
PC Magazine,
22 June 2026
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Apr. 2026
What are those team managers doing with our bucks, padding their kids’ college funds?
—
Inga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for padding
Noun
But he would be fired unceremoniously in 1973 amid a scandal over alleged padding of expense reports for personal use.
—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
22 June 2026
While previous versions featured rigid buttons and clumsy text padding that often disrupted layouts, the modernized editor completely addresses these design headaches.
—
Gabriel Zamora,
PC Magazine,
22 June 2026
Verb
Two silhouettes caught on grainy security cameras, padding through a massive, empty aqua park lit only by whatever ambient light existed.
—
Hanna Wickes,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Apr. 2026
What are those team managers doing with our bucks, padding their kids’ college funds?
—
Inga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for padding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for padding
Noun
-
Cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar recreate the cheesecake filling, while sliced strawberries and graham cracker crumbs complete the flavor.
-
This maximizes the efficiency and potency of the ingredient’s plumping, hydrating, wrinkle-filling, fine-line smoothing benefits.
Noun
-
Pirate ship is no exaggeration.
-
But the fastest swimming speed claims are almost certainly indefensible exaggerations.
Verb
-
The four-time Olympian was not exaggerating.
-
Goldman says Lander is exaggerating the gulf between them.
Verb
-
The right-hander issued a leadoff walk and hit a batter with a pitch before walking Carson Kelly with the bases loaded to force in the first run.
-
Lower Leg and Ankle Stretch Routine Your ankles and calves play a big role in balance, walking, and overall stability.
Noun
-
The soft microfiber and down-alternative fill feel plush and are safe for those with allergies.
-
Pick up cooling pillows like these with a breathable bamboo cover and fluffy foam stuffing, or grab a lightweight quilt like this Laura Ashley option with a fill that will keep you warm without overheating.
Noun
-
While gentle stretching is generally safe for most people after eating, vigorous exercise and/or movements that compress the abdomen can lead to discomfort.
-
Michelle is way ahead of me on the whole stretching and flexibility tip.
Verb
-
Knoxville’s shock of white hair, a result of him stopping coloring it during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, kept reminding us that these were humans.
-
The first showed him walking hand-in-hand with his sons, and the second showed Jack crouched down in a church pew as one of his sons played with toys, surrounded by coloring books and stickers.
Verb
-
By treading lightly with finishes, opening up the loft area to more light, and getting clever with storage, Marie channeled the unit’s coastal locale, conjuring up an aesthetic lexicon that suggests the interior of a boat with its clean, functional lines.
-
The backlash was so fierce, Anthropic quickly made adjustments to the policy, as Wired reported on Wednesday, highlighting just how carefully the company is treading.
Cite this Entry
“Padding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/padding. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
