padding 1 of 3

noun

ˈpa-diŋ How to pronounce padding (audio)
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
as in exaggerating
to add to the interest of by including made-up details the journalist was fired for padding certain stories to make them more interesting

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

padding

3 of 3

verb (2)

present participle of pad
as in walking
to go on foot a cat padded silently by

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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
This one from Carve Designs is built with high support padding to complement any water sport, plus UPF 50+ sun protection to combat scorching rays. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026 The contoured footbed is made with the brand’s Luvseat padding and EVA at the midsole to offer superior arch support and comfort for all-day walking. — Anna Traver, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
Perhaps this isn’t new—Star Wars has been taking small moments from the original trilogy and padding them out for decades now—almost everything seen on screen in those first three films has been resurrected, fleshed out with backstories and unnecessary details. — Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 25 May 2026 The stock closed at a record high of $237 — padding out year-to-date gains to 117%. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for padding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for padding
  1. filling
  2. exaggeration
  3. exaggerating
  4. walking
  5. fill
  6. stretching
  7. coloring
  8. treading
Noun
  • Four humble ingredients come together inside a tortilla to make something transcendent — melty, fluid, fleetingly crunchy, soft, toothsome, rich and filling.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Krispy Kreme rolled out a Maple Cheesecake Doughnut with cheesecake filling, maple icing, graham crunch and a maple drizzle.
    — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of filling
Noun
  • The backlash is usually predictable, every wave of visible mobility aid use brings accusations of exaggeration and attention-seeking, aimed almost entirely at young women.
    — Keely Cat-Wells, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Distracting from real issues These conspiracy theories are more than exaggerations for a broader audience.
    — Aaron Coy Moulton, The Conversation, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of exaggeration
Verb
  • The financial affiliations have prompted speculation, especially through strands of the Iranian diaspora, who accuse some of its journalists of exaggerating the level of support for figures in the opposition and of advocating for war.
    — Cora Engelbrecht, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Thomas cautioned against exaggerating the power of AI agents, however.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of exaggerating
Verb
  • In one video from Mailung, in Nepal’s Rasuwa region, a group of construction workers was seen walking down a mountain path before noticing giant plumes of brown debris in the distance, rapidly cascading toward them.
    — Laura Saravia, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Instead of being whisked away by sports cars and speedboats, the pair currently rely on only their feet for transportation, walking from their prison cells along a secure, windowless pedestrian walkway to reach a courtroom for legal proceedings.
    — Jonny Hallam, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of walking
Noun
  • The bedspread gives you all of the fluffy loft without risking overheating, thanks to its breathable down-alternative fill and box-stitch design that keeps it evenly distributed.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The Ticking Clock This infrastructure was built in the 1970s and 1980s with an initial 25-year design life, engineered to safely handle only five complete fill and drawdown cycles.
    — Siddharth Misra, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of fill
Noun
  • Cardio, strength training and stretching have long been the go-to approaches for optimizing health span and lifespan.
    — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
  • As long hours spent in the same position can contribute to poor posture, stiffness and other physical issues, experts say regular movement and stretching can help prevent joint pain and muscle weakness.
    — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of stretching
Verb
  • In addition to card games that take up little storage space, think about adding coloring books and markers or crayons to your storm shelter game collection.
    — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Color-code by person, not event Instead of coloring all sports green and all school events blue, assign one unique color to each member of the family.
    — Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of coloring
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
Definition of treading

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Padding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/padding. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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