Buffered means to reduce the effects of an abrupt change or shock, particularly in the context of a system or environment. Some common synonyms for "buffered" include "shielded," "insulated," "protected," "guarded," "screened," or "cushioned." These words all convey the idea of creating a barrier or cushion to soften an impact. In computer networking, "buffered" can refer to a system that temporarily stores data before sending it out, providing a more resilient network experience. Examples of computer- related synonyms for "buffered" are "cached," "preloaded," and "stored." Overall, whether talking about physical or digital systems, buffering is essential to dampen sudden changes or disruptions.