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

Like the pair above, the shoes boast plush insoles and pillowy cushioning, along with a structure specifically designed for smooth heel-to-toe rocking. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 20 Aug. 2026 The hybrid design pairs a stretchy, breathable upper with springy cushioning designed for explosive takeoffs. — Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Aug. 2026

Verb

Morocco still imports roughly 90% of its primary energy, forcing the government to spend over $300 million each month cushioning consumers from rising fuel costs. — Michael Adu Okyere, Time, 28 July 2026 The primary advancement over the past decade has been in the materials used in the midsole, the part above the sole itself that provides cushioning to the foot. — Scott Douglas, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cushioning

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushioning

Noun

Building cardiorespiratory fitness and maintaining a consistent exercise practice may provide leaders with an additional buffer during those demanding periods.

— Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Seko is advising shippers to build seven- to 10-day-plus buffers into east China bookings and prepare for potential port omissions, blank sailings and cargo diversions to alternative gateways including Qingdao, Busan and Hong Kong.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 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

From removing stubborn stains to softening scratchy towels, vinegar consistently tackles the problems that detergents and fabric softeners sometimes leave behind.

— Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
Meanwhile, the vitamins, delivered via skin-softening plant oils, help moisturize and firm the skin.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of softening

Noun

Larger coupon payments now provide a cushion against further price declines, unlike the low-yield environment earlier this decade.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Removable cushions make spot-cleaning easier which is especially helpful with kids, pets, snacks, or all of the above.

— Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of cushion

Adjective

Libra September 23 – October 22 The routine that keeps draining you may need a more compassionate rhythm.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
The vaccine is being used under a compassionate-use program, which allows a medical product to be used in a serious disease situation even though it has not been specifically approved for that particular use.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of compassionate

Noun

Finally cleared this offseason to fully do so and strapping on the pads again, the last thing the Bengals tight end wanted to hear was that he was being held out of any games, practices or even drills.

— Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
The majority of their starters spent the second half conversing with folks in the stands, pads long gone, while Jones took the field for his first snaps as a true freshman.

— Noah White, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of pad

Noun

The Champions League draw is only days away — and fans don’t have long to wait for international football’s return, either, with a bumper break from September 21 to October 6.

— Cerys Jones, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Last year, Ian Stamy took the state prize for his bumper soybean yield, coaxing an average of just over 100 bushels per acre from his operation in central Pennsylvania.

— Scott Neuman, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of bumper

Browse Nearby Words

cushioned

cushioning

cushionings

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Cushioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushioning. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of cushioning

noun

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

matriculate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes