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
These flats feature ergonomic insoles, contoured padding, and stellar support. Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 22 July 2026 Guests may have noticed mesh, poles and padding being installed within portions of the habitat. Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2026
Verb
The stock closed at a record high of $237 — padding out year-to-date gains to 117%. Jeff Marks, CNBC, 6 May 2026 From his earliest days as an agent, Meredith proudly flouted industry convention while inflating his own reputation and padding his bank account. Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for padding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for padding
Noun
  • Order a classic deli sandwich or oven grinder served with a towering pile of fries, or opt for something a little more filling like Grandma’s Homemade Meatloaf topped with beef gravy.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The cabin comes in white-brown, black-brown, or all-black color schemes and features five seats with 10-layer filling, ventilation (bottom-blow, back-suction), and heating.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In her Tinker Bell costume, Ashley seems as thirsty for a peach as Shamea is, reveling in the opportunity to tell her side of the story but obviously sprinkling her own fairy dust of exaggeration into the narrative.
    Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 27 July 2026
  • Art to me is a way to find beauty behind the lies and exaggerations.
    Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Verb
  • Cornelissen works with little intervention in the wine cellar, but without exaggerating.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • Jan Paul van Hecke of the Netherlands has been involved in two scraps already, the latest when he was hit while going for a header and crumbled, perhaps exaggerating a tad, after Morocco's Azzedine Ounahi challenged the header, as well.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Video footage showed crowds of people, mainly Moroccans, walking around the breakwaters at Tarajal beach onto local roads.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 July 2026
  • Used gently before walking, stretching or massage, tapping can be a useful ritualistic prompt to move—but it shouldn’t be mistaken for a treatment in itself.
    Chloe Burcham, Vogue, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • Several inches of sand fill the front row of Aliso Beach's parking lot after surf coupled with high tides pounded the Orange County shore.
    Michele Gile, CBS News, 31 July 2026
  • The Vlog Combo comes with a new DJI Mic Mini 2 wireless mic, a clip-on fill light, a mini tripod, and a carrying bag.
    Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 30 July 2026
Noun
  • Olivia’s biggest takeaway from practice was when the players were dancing during the opening stretching period of practice.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 27 July 2026
  • SpaceX’s mammoth Starship rocket blasted off Friday on another test flight stretching halfway around the world, this time releasing 20 of the most advanced Starlinks.
    Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • Moreover, the shock of higher prices is still fresh in people's minds and may be coloring consumers' purchasing decisions, despite signs that prices should retreat further.
    Zev Fima,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 5 July 2026
  • Pink to purple blooms open over a long season, coloring the garden from late spring through fall to the delight of butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • That’s someone treading open water who has figured out that the only way not to drown is to never stop kicking.
    Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • But like its tenacious relic-hunting heroine, the enduring property is always treading new ground.
    Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Padding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/padding. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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