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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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in walking
to go on foot
a cat padded silently by
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of padding
Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2026
Cover yourself with thick padding, mattresses, and blankets.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2026
Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
But what Mom noticed most were the thoughtful touches—yoga mats in the closet, dogs padding through the lobby of this pet-friendly property, bikes ready for guests to explore.
—Lisa A. Beach, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for padding
Noun
The soles are equipped with the brand’s signature Cloudlift padding for all-day comfort—a feature that reviewers love.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2026
Cover yourself with thick padding, mattresses, and blankets.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
Or, this versatile, lightweight neck pillow from Trtl is much less bulky than your average option but still provides support by keeping your neck upright while padding it.
—Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
But what Mom noticed most were the thoughtful touches—yoga mats in the closet, dogs padding through the lobby of this pet-friendly property, bikes ready for guests to explore.
—Lisa A. Beach, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for padding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for padding
Noun
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Starting from a short end and using parchment to help shape, roll up cake (don’t worry if some filling gets squeezed out on the sides).—
Shilpa Uskokovic,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 Apr. 2026
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The new Strawberry Shortcake Kringle, inspired by the classic treat of the same name, features sweet cookie pieces and a special O&H signature made-from-scratch filling, topped with buttery streusel, sweet ice and pink chocolate curls.—
Adrienne Davis,
jsonline.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Behind the private gates of Clos du Lac, where vineyards edge the winding roads, one hilltop estate overlooking Folsom Lake pulls off the Mediterranean spirit so seamlessly that comparisons to the Italian countryside don’t feel like exaggeration.—
David Caraccio
March 28,
Sacbee.com,
28 Mar. 2026
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Together, these individuals bedevil lawmakers with their flag-waving and their exaggerations about the alien problem.—
Christine Smallwood,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Traditionally, this dessert asks you to (1) swaddle hot cake in a kitchen towel; (2) roll, cool, and unroll it to set the shape; then (3) fill and reroll it with bated breath.—
Shilpa Uskokovic,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
1 Apr. 2026
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The rocket will go through multiple phases of fueling, referred to as slow fill, fast fill, topping and replenishing.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Then get here a little early, jumps on the BOSU ball, stretching, taping, and trying to stay warm as long as possible.—
Dom Amore,
Hartford Courant,
31 Mar. 2026
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Just five minutes of mindful movement, like gentle stretching or a quick yoga flow, can help lower stress hormones and support your body’s natural anti-inflammatory defenses.—
Lauren Manaker,
SELF,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This travel humidifier uses a standard water bottle as its reservoir, which cuts down on its weight to make packing easier.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Mar. 2026
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This comprehensive travel system includes three packing cubes and a 17-inch laptop sleeve to organize all your belongings.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Also riding this jet stream of enhancements are, among others, Qantas and Korean Air.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
28 Mar. 2026
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According to MnDOT, the project will resurface aging pavement, repair and improve bridges, repair and resurface ramps, replace drainage and make additional safety enhancements.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Instead, glass is melted down into lower-value products like bottles or insulation, or even used as filler in construction.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Apr. 2026
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Not every entry in an artist’s catalog has to be a revelation; perhaps Ricochet’s pleasant filler is a necessary step in the evolution of Jordan’s artistry and the trajectory of Snail Mail as a band.—
Grace Robins-Somerville,
Pitchfork,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The latter, a wry comedy of futile endeavor, was based on a story by Kiarostami, but Haghighi soon sought to shake off Kiarostami’s influence—and, even more, a prevailing caricature of Iranian cinema that Kiarostami’s style had given rise to.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
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There will also be hands-on creative activities for people of all ages, including printmaking, henna and glitter tattoos, foam crafts, sand art, caricatures, and more.—
Alyson Rodriguez,
Dallas Morning News,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Padding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/padding. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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