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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
Adam Ismail, The Drive, 1 Apr. 2026
By 1968, the Journal found that résumé padding had reached epidemic proportions.
—Stephen Mihm, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
Nilesh Christopher Los Angeles Times, Arkansas Online, 15 Mar. 2026
Both were also convicted of stealing relatively small amounts by padding their union expense accounts.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for padding
Noun
The difference is that the Boulder uses some more materials that a real car would, like textiles and padding.
—Adam Ismail, The Drive, 1 Apr. 2026
By 1968, the Journal found that résumé padding had reached epidemic proportions.
—Stephen Mihm, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
Egyptian immigrants Azzam and Samra Ahmed are padding their savings by performing for bots in their one-bedroom apartment in Pasadena.
—Nilesh Christopher Los Angeles Times, Arkansas Online, 15 Mar. 2026
Both were also convicted of stealing relatively small amounts by padding their union expense accounts.
—Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for padding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for padding
Noun
-
Besides buttercream frosting, they can be filled with lemon curd, jam, or other creative fillings.—
Amber Love Bond,
Southern Living,
15 Apr. 2026
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The fiber in blended fruit is less filling than whole fruit, which can lead to quicker blood sugar processing.—
Heather Jones,
Verywell Health,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Williams, of course, worked at NBC for nearly three decades, including an 11-year run at NBC Nightly News that ended 2015 after exaggerations and falsehoods were found in some of his reporting, including reports from Iraq, and from New Orleans after it had been ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Apr. 2026
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The novel reads, in retrospect, less like exaggeration than reportage from inside a culture already learning to treat life as publicity.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
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It’s made of durable plastic with an ant moat in the center to fill with water, bee-resistant ports, and an easy-fill design—simply lift the red feeding tray, then add nectar directly to the base.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
14 Apr. 2026
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Later in the summer, the gorge’s smaller waterfalls slow to a trickle, the water warms, the swimming holes become popular, and the hiking trails fill with families on break.—
Jordan Charbonneau,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The first happens in accordance with the Earth’s rotation, the second will be healed with stretching and Ibuprofen, and the third is simply a fact of life and the passage of time.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
12 Apr. 2026
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Warming up with light movement, such as walking or dynamic stretching, before a workout as well as cooling down afterward can help prepare muscles, improve flexibility and reduce soreness.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Carville tells Dems to quietly prepare power grab with DC, Puerto Rico statehood and Supreme Court packing.—
,
FOXNews.com,
17 Apr. 2026
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Thankfully, the Hungarian people did not take the bait and sent Orbán packing.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The money would fund not only improvements inside the stadium but also bridges and roads outside, along with security enhancements.—
J.D. Miles,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
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Pergine gives her lip enhancement with hyaluronic acid filler and routine neurotoxin treatments, which help her TMJ pain.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The five-bedroom features coffered ceilings, walnut floors, a fireplace, French doors, and a kitchen with a stove nook, a pot filler, and a butler’s pantry.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
13 Apr. 2026
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Even small upgrades, like walnut cabinets or a pot filler, can add value.—
Natasha Bazika,
Martha Stewart,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The result has been something like an inverse caricature of Republican complaints about diversity, equity, and inclusion, a system in which the incompetent rise not because of their abilities but because of their sycophancy.—
Adam Serwer,
The Atlantic,
8 Apr. 2026
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There are some surprise attractions too, from the Cartoon Museum, which documents the history of British cartoons, caricatures and comics, to the spectacular Byzantine-style Fitzrovia Chapel with its gold mosaic ceiling where King Charles recorded his Christmas broadcast in 2024.—
Siobhan Grogan,
TheWeek,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Padding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/padding. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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