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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
Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Afterward, Johnson fired the ball into the padding behind the end zone in celebration.
—David Aldridge, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
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
And although lightweight, the shoe doesn’t compromise on support — it’s designed with a memory foam sole that absorbs impact and provides an extra layer of padding.
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026
Afterward, Johnson fired the ball into the padding behind the end zone in celebration.
—David Aldridge, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
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
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The white chocolate crumbles, creamy cheesecake, raspberry filling and cake-like crust make for the perfect bite.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Jan. 2026
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Layer up the cherry pie filling, cake mix, chocolate chips, and pecans.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
12 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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His pregame routine consisted of activation, treatment, rehab, stretching, weightlifting and mentally focusing while watching television.—
Janis Carr,
Oc Register,
14 Jan. 2026
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The Flatiron District in Manhattan has been a center of nouveau wellness for around 15 years, with its many boutique fitness classes, gyms, acupuncturists, and stretching and recovery centers.—
Marisa Meltzer,
Vanity Fair,
14 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
-
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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Other times, the sketch itself doesn't hit with the audience, but the filler dialogue or comedic actions do.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
14 Jan. 2026
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Freeman says most of the onion powders available at the grocery store are mixed with fillers and anti-caking agents.—
Laura Manzano,
Martha Stewart,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Some of the Catholic and Jewish characters are caricatures, too, but this anonymous ideologue is a bit too understated for someone wanting to conscript another into deadly service and could benefit from the absurdist flair Cash deploys elsewhere.—
Niela Orr,
Vulture,
13 Jan. 2026
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In less careful hands, the role could have collapsed into caricature.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Padding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/padding. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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