CUSHIONING Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

cushioning 1 of 3

noun

Definition of cushioning

as in buffer

something that serves as a protective barrier put plenty of cushioning around that bottle of wine if you're going to carry it home in your suitcase

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

cushioning

2 of 3

adjective

as in softening

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

cushioning

3 of 3

verb

present participle of cushion

as in buffering

to lessen the shock of a substantial nest egg helped to cushion the sudden loss of her job

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 cushioning

Noun

Combined with plush cushioning, these thoughtful details make Bombas socks stand out from the average pair. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 13 Oct. 2026 Similar in appearance to classic Hoka styles, the Nortiv 8 ActiveBreeze Running Shoes are a budget-friendly option for travelers looking for maximum cushioning. — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 10 Oct. 2026

Adjective

And in many cases, the brand’s modern reissues are actually downgraded with less cushioning and lower quality materials as cost-cutting measures. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026

Verb

Its plush filling adds an extra layer of cushioning that shoppers have compared to sleeping on a cloud. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026 The sole offers premium cushioning for comfort, while the insole molds to your foot for a customized fit. — Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cushioning

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushioning

Noun

While this trend signals mounting pressure across financing conditions, analysts note that a modest retrenchment in market risk exposure represents a healthy calibration, serving as a buffer to mitigate concentrated risk spillovers.

— , CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026
The assessment is the latest dose of bad news for coral reefs, which are critical sources for seafood and tourism and often serve as buffers from coastal erosion and storms.

— ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of buffer

Adjective

Meanwhile, emollient vitamin E and softening jojoba seed oil condition your natural nails, leaving them (and the skin around them) feeling softer and more hydrated.

— Sarah Felbin, Allure, 30 Apr. 2026
The formula is infused with emollient fatty acids to help support the skin’s moisture barrier, while its semi-sheer finish ensures a soft glow—far from the heavy-handed bronzer looks of the mid-2010s.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2025

Definition of emollient

Verb

Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide is a rich overnight cream that helps replenish dry skin while softening the look of crepiness, fine lines, and rough texture.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2026
Scientists at the Beckman Institute have been tracking levels of plastic-softening phthalates in the blood of children since before they were born up until age 11.

— Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of softening

Adjective

Others discussed overcoming the initial awkwardness of the work and finding satisfaction in helping doctors become more competent and compassionate.

— Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 18 Oct. 2026
At the same time, the lawsuits contend that chatbots are pretending to be agreeable and compassionate while preying on the vulnerable and on teenagers, the first generation to grow up with artificial intelligence.

— Marc Levy, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of compassionate

Noun

The sensor has a 90-degree horizontal and 50-degree vertical field of view and is powered by a single CR123A battery, which is included along with adhesive mounting pads and a user guide.

— John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026
Brady Tkachuk quickly spun to face Ullmark and shoved the puck under the goalie’s pads for his seventh goal of the season.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of pad

Noun

Each panel is different, their subtly shifting shapes recalling those of the shuttle’s heat-shield tiles.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Lily sacrificed her life on that day to protect wee Harry, just a baby at the time of her death, with a love shield.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of shield

Noun

With six laps to go and David Gilliland leading the pack, Logano had Carson Hocevar on his bumper and Ross Chastain in front of him.

— Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Such armor typically consists of an outer sacrificial bumper that is separated from the main craft by space.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of bumper

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“Cushioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushioning. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of cushioning

noun

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

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