pads 1 of 3

plural of pad
1
as in notebooks
a number of sheets of writing paper glued together at one edge the waitress keeps a pad in the pocket of her apron to write down orders

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
3
as in buffers
something that serves as a protective barrier a pad on the chair to keep it from getting scratched

Synonyms & Similar Words

4

pads

2 of 3

verb (1)

present tense third-person singular of pad

pads

3 of 3

verb (2)

present tense third-person singular of pad

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 pads
Noun
It’s equipped with a cushioned running belt and shock-absorbing pads for smooth walks. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2026 In this case, there’s no swiping or rubbing at all—just let the pads sit and soak in for a few minutes before gently patting in the excess. — Jenny Jin, Glamour, 29 Sep. 2026 Steel Wool and Scouring Pads First and foremost, any cleaning expert will tell you to steer clear of common cleaning tools like steel wool, scouring pads, and rough brushes to clean your stainless steel. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 28 Sep. 2026 Achane was seen without his helmet and pads watching the second half from Miami’s sideline. — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 27 Sep. 2026 My skin tends to get textured, but these pads have made a noticeable difference. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2026 Finally, reorganize cotton pads, brushes, and skincare by category. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 25 Sep. 2026 Some people originally bought these texture-improving pads for their kids but ended up using and loving them as well. — Claudia Fisher, Parents, 25 Sep. 2026 People can run outside for free or use cheaper fitness apps, as well as buy inexpensive walking pads and go to budget gyms. — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
In other words, the additional money that our companies are shelling out to cover higher memory costs ultimately pads these three companies’ bottom lines. — Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 21 June 2026 Adding the killer’s voice just pads an already too-long book. — Maren Longbella, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025 Not to say there aren’t some clunkers, most notably a jokey take-me-out-to-the-ballgame baseball number that pads the second act, but the Flaherty-Ahrens score was and is Ragtime‘s signature achievement. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025 The exchange is indicative of this odd, frustrating, occasionally intriguing project, which pads out scarce but real nuggets of insight with leading questions and endless clips. — Alison Herman, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025 Stanfield is the second new face named this month, after French actor Paul Kircher, as Anderson pads out the ranks of his men’s ambassadors following a rash of appointments on the women’s side. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pads
Noun
  • The best smart notebooks This smart notebook fits in a pocket, has 48 reusable pages and comes with the Pilot Frixion pen required for note-taking.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025
  • Lunch boxes, markers, notebooks and notebook filler paper.
    — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Rooms come with rainfall showerheads or soaking tubs, mini cheesecakes by the beds each night, and iPads with software for making quick reservations.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Heavy landscaping with trees and planting beds are also seen in renderings adjacent to the interchange.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 23 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Instead, according to the grand jury report, two organizations were used as buffers to move the money out of the Hope Florida Foundation before transferring it to Keep Florida Clean.
    — Jim DeFede, CBS News, 27 Sep. 2026
  • This structure buffers portfolio companies from participants’ immediate liquidity needs.
    — Nate Heeren, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Some villas overlook their neighbors’ roofs, which isn't everyone's idea of paradise.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Former landlords lurked in bushes or on roofs or waited in cars outside our home.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Dyes such as indigo, for example, which colors your favorite blue jeans, are actually intended to fade and will do so throughout the life of the garment.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026
  • That history still colors how the company talks, less like a supplement label and more like a couple of people who have been through it.
    — Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Trump treads carefully The leaders last met in Beijing just four months ago, and could meet twice more later this year.
    — Aamer Madhani, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Through rapid-fire verbal repartee, constant close-ups, and frantic cuts, Deramas treads a careful line between tragedy and comedy, the latter a psychological weapon against the former.
    — Lé Baltar, IndieWire, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Viewers can switch cameras, audio streams and perspectives across phones, computers, tablets and VR headsets, effectively becoming their own live-event director.
    — Callum McLennan, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026
  • In New York, there’s a bill in the state legislature that would require up to 30 minutes of recess in elementary schools, be held outside whenever possible, and not involve phones, laptops or tablets.
    — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The hotel’s second-floor reception area has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the beach, a pool table that is perpetually in play, and couches for gathering over morning coffee and evening sips.
    — Terry Ward, Travel + Leisure, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Amenities and experiences The hotel’s main attraction is its rooftop pool and lounge, which, though a bit small, is nicely outfitted with couches, high top tables and wicker chairs and offers views of surrounding skyscrapers and Biscayne Bay.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pads.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pads. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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