cushion 1 of 2

noun

ˈku̇-shən How to pronounce cushion (audio)
Definition of cushionnext
as in buffer
something that serves as a protective barrier used a blanket as a cushion between the two tables in the moving van

Synonyms & Similar Words

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cushion

2 of 2

verb

as in to soften
to lessen the shock of a substantial nest egg helped to cushion the sudden loss of her job

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 cushion
Noun
This pair is covered in a soft, fuzzy liner for extra cushion. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 30 Sep. 2026 Kane trimmed the deficit to one early in the third with a slick backhand, but Hanifin answered shortly thereafter to restore the two-goal cushion. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026
Verb
Warren hit High on a sweep for another touchdown in the fourth quarter to cushion the Cardinal’s lead, 34-20. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026 Domestic gas fields could help cushion future shocks, but new supplies take years to develop and won’t remove the region’s growing exposure to LNG imports, the report found. — Chloé Farand, semafor.com, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cushion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushion
  1. buffer
  2. soften
  3. pad
  4. shield
  5. bumper
Noun
  • Palillo proposes a 20-foot vegetative buffer between his project and homes, and a 12-foot sound barrier wall, according to his plans on file with the Huntersville Planning Board.
    — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Charlie Fox, a 56-year-old San Clemente resident and marine meteorologist, said sand provides a critical buffer between whatever structures — train tracks, homes, lifeguard headquarters — are built along the coast.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of buffer
Verb
  • Earlier this year, the EU softened its corporate sustainability disclosure rules and adjusted its carbon pricing framework.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
  • DedCool understood the assignment and included a warm base of Australian sandalwood, amber, and white musk to soften the scent.
    — Vivien Lee, InStyle, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of soften
Noun
  • The s and z sounds of cedar scent, soothed, breeze, petals, pads, crossed, shore, and small create a peaceful line of sound that mimics the smooth flow of a river.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Usual wireless charging pads mostly use heavy ferrite cores to direct magnetic fields.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of pad
Noun
  • Therapists begin facials with face-scanning wands and other probes, to measure your lipid shield, pigmentation, hydration and elasticity, and then cater their approach to the precise needs of your skin in that moment.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In Paris, tear gas filled the air, and trash cans, school desks and chairs were set alight as riot police with shields and batons clashed with some demonstrators.
    — Melissa Bell, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of shield
Noun
  • So by the time Max was 3 years old, he was already plopped into a kid kart inside the speedway’s shipping and receiving warehouse while being pulled around with a bungee cord tied to the front bumper.
    — Tyler Carmona, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
  • This controller uses Scuf's latest non-slip wraparound bumpers that have more surface area than before.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of bumper

Browse Nearby Words

curvy
cushion
cushioned
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cushion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushion. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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