Definition of paddingnext
1
as in filling
soft material that is used to fill the hollow parts of something the padding is leaking out of that pillow

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

padding

2 of 3

verb (1)

present participle of pad

padding

3 of 3

verb (2)

present participle 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 padding
Noun
Wearing spiked gloves, a helmet and protective padding, the 5-foot-6, 205-pound LaPenna held his own against all three bots. — Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 The padding is generally offered in three weights to suit a range of designs from ultra-light jackets to high puff parkas. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
And in any case, as Northwestern kept padding its lead, the seats started to empty. — Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026 Several women’s World Tour teams have raised concerns that cyclists on rival teams are padding their sports bras to give them a boost in time trials, according to leading Dutch cycling news site, WielerFlits. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for padding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for padding
Noun
  • Made with a yellow cake mix and a spiced filling, this dreamy recipe turns honey buns into a special occasion treat.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Canned beans turn a light soup into a filling meal, without any soaking required.
    — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 24 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • That may be an exaggeration, given Brazil’s clout and heft, and also its extensive ties with China, its biggest trade partner.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Even if that number is a gross exaggeration, this is a cash cow business.
    — Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • But to imply that a world-class athlete is exaggerating an injury to preserve his reputation is a staggering lapse in judgment.
    — Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • South Korea’s military, which often accuses the North of exaggerating its military technologies, did not immediately comment on KCNA’s report.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In September, two girls from Skyview High protested by walking off the start line after the gun went off, and last week, about a dozen of his own teammates did the same thing.
    — Matt Calkins OutKick, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
  • For Applegate, her previous diagnosis of MS had offered an explanation for her ongoing struggle with symptoms including tingling and numbness in her extremities, lack of coordination, balance issues and difficulty walking.
    — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Thomas shocks Vision back to life, but this somehow alerts Butcherbird; Vision’s mindscape fills with oppressive red lighting, ominously circling birds, and TVs crackling with static.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Some travelers can get their fill of the destination on an annual vacation, but others might dream of something a little more permanent, like their very own home.
    — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Other days included yoga and stretching, catching hundreds of balls on the Jugs machine or recovering at Kollective, a social performance club in Austin.
    — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Daily laundry service after a day spent hiking, stretching, and sprinting is a welcome bonus.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The team revised Rotta’s face and coloring to bring him closer to Jabba while refining his muscular physique.
    — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
  • But this sonic direction can also prevent Mud from coloring outside the lines.
    — Enzo Escober, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Videos also show survivors jumping from a rocky island and swimming to Coast Guard rescue swimmers treading rough seas.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 29 Sep. 2026
  • This may be a one-off experiment, even if Netflix is treading into bold new territory.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Padding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/padding. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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