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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of padding
Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 2 Feb. 2026
The flat shoes have light padding that reviewers found supportive for running errands, and standing for long stretches of time.
—Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 23 Oct. 2025
This direction—padding the ensemble with social-media-friendly faces—represents more of a nudge toward the future than a massive overhaul.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for padding
Noun
The shawl collar gives extra warmth and padding, and otherwise creates a dignified look—like a smoking jacket without the stink.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 2 Feb. 2026
The flat shoes have light padding that reviewers found supportive for running errands, and standing for long stretches of time.
—Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
Although Cameron maintains a steady polling advantage over Barr, third-quarter filings show he’s fallen further behind in padding his campaign coffers ahead of the May 2026 primary.
—Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 23 Oct. 2025
This direction—padding the ensemble with social-media-friendly faces—represents more of a nudge toward the future than a massive overhaul.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for padding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for padding
Noun
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Everything in this recipe is made with love, from the tomato sauce to the filling which is tenderly wrapped in the softened cabbage leaves.—
Mary Alice Russell,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
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Even just insulating the building so that the temperature stays constant (and so 100-decibel sound levels don’t dislodge all the neighbors’ fillings) may require a second layer of glass walls at either end.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Schultz declined to respond to the litany of accusations, calling them exaggerations and mischaracterizations.—
Tony Saavedra,
Oc Register,
24 Jan. 2026
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The assumption was that exaggeration would repel.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Patagonia’s proprietary synthetic fill imitates down’s structure by spinning air-trapping microfilaments around a central fiber and requires fewer stabilizing seams and baffles than down.—
Kelly Bastone,
Outside,
10 Feb. 2026
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Thousands of children's books line the shelves and fill boxes, each one chosen with intention.—
Wakisha Bailey,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Regular stretching can reduce muscle tension, improve posture, and help prevent discomfort, stiffness, and potential injuries over time.—
Wendy Rose Gould,
Martha Stewart,
4 Feb. 2026
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There’re proper stretching routines.—
Patrick McEnroe,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The system is designed to handle complex, flexible warehouse tasks such as picking, box handling, packing, and inspection—areas that have traditionally relied on human labor.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Feb. 2026
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Best Sneaker and Walking Shoe Deals One of my biggest packing struggles is choosing between a durable workout sneaker for all-day comfort or a sleeker pair that can work for brunch or dinner.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In exchange for not experiencing the thrill and excitement of watching a football game in person, those of us at home will get the benefit of experiencing the game with a few technological enhancements.—
Jason Corso,
Fortune,
8 Feb. 2026
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The upgrade will include multiple enhancements to the customer experience and once implemented, Coloradans can expect a new option for a streamlined user experience.—
Jennifer McRae,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The filler is actually way better than the Botox.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
10 Feb. 2026
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Listen to the filler — the ums, the incomplete thoughts, the recycled clichés.—
JD Barker,
Rolling Stone,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The ape caricature still colors how Black people are received in America.—
Hana Kiros,
The Atlantic,
6 Feb. 2026
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In pop culture, the representation of gay men has largely been limited to a narrow list of tragic themes and undignified caricatures, Duquette said.—
Ian Kerner 19 hr ago,
CNN Money,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Padding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/padding. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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