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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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of padding
Gillian Stawiszynski, The Enquirer, 31 Aug. 2025
Some padding was involved, but not much.
—EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 18 Aug. 2025
Current students are allowed to continue under the old loan structure, which conservatives have criticized for padding private universities' bottom lines and shouldering students with ballooning debt loads.
—Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for padding
Noun
The three uncovered slides have soft but firm padding that extends more than 10 feet past the end of the slide.
—Gillian Stawiszynski, The Enquirer, 31 Aug. 2025
Some padding was involved, but not much.
—EW.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
Bob Hawkey, a Grant Thornton consultant, said the city has to work on convincing voters that the potential 1% tax hike won’t be about padding the budget, but about ensuring long-term financial stability.
—Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 18 Aug. 2025
Current students are allowed to continue under the old loan structure, which conservatives have criticized for padding private universities' bottom lines and shouldering students with ballooning debt loads.
—Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for padding
Recent Examples of Synonyms for padding
Noun
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Topped with slices of baguette and plenty of cheese, this classic soup is hearty and filling.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Its grid stitch looks elegant while preventing the stuffing from bunching up, and it’s made of 100% cotton with a polyester filling that is helpful for people with allergies.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Despite the mess in her apartment, the man, like everyone else in her life, brushes off her fears as the exaggerations of an overactive imagination.—
Marya E. Gates,
IndieWire,
9 Sep. 2025
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Any kind of strong reaction after Week 1 is an exaggeration.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The linen gets softer with every wash, too, and the interior 100% polyester fill won’t shift or bunch up.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Get your fill for a limited time.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Generally, the day begins with stretching and a light lift in the weight room.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
10 Sep. 2025
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Both groups showed less shrinkage than expected from previous research, possibly because even balance and stretching produces brain benefits.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
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From belt bags to leather wallets, these are the accessories your packing list has been missing.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Sep. 2025
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The NewKids were so smart, right out of their eggshell packing!—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The murder charge includes enhancements that allege Miramontes committed a premeditated murder, used a gun in the crime and fired that weapon from inside a vehicle, according to the criminal complaint filed by the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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Every detail in the darkest shadows and brightest highlights is retained and accentuated by HDR's enhancement of the dynamic range.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The shorter the ingredient list, the less room there is for unnecessary additives like stabilizers, sweeteners, or fillers that diminish the natural nutrition of the peanuts themselves.—
Lauren Panoff,
Verywell Health,
10 Sep. 2025
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Pair it with purple-black flowers for a Halloween scene or tuck dusty miller into containers as a vibrant filler.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The characters are turning into caricatures — especially Martin Short’s Oliver Putnam.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
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Easy isn’t a caricature, even if the people and events around him increasingly feel that way.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Padding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/padding. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
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