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
If your couch cushions are sagging and the springs are worn, use this 62%-off sofa deal as an excuse to upgrade ahead of hosting season. — Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2026 The table then stows away, and the bench cushions rearrange to create a side-facing love seat positioned perfectly for viewing the drop-down projection screen just above the entryway. — New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams still haven’t practiced and running backs have had a revolving door to the trainer’s room, while the loss of receiver Ricky Pearsall was cushioned by the availability of old friend Deebo Samuel. — The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Now on sale for 25 percent off, these simple sneakers will prove easy to style and endlessly supportive, with foam insoles that are simultaneously lightweight and well-cushioned. — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cushion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushion
  1. buffer
  2. soften
  3. pad
  4. shield
  5. bumper
Noun
  • Building cardiorespiratory fitness and maintaining a consistent exercise practice may provide leaders with an additional buffer during those demanding periods.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Seko is advising shippers to build seven- to 10-day-plus buffers into east China bookings and prepare for potential port omissions, blank sailings and cargo diversions to alternative gateways including Qingdao, Busan and Hong Kong.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of buffer
Verb
  • Talanx German insurer Talanx 's lean cost base and 6 billion euros of resilience reserves can help sustain earnings growth, even as pricing softens in its reinsurance and corporate-specialty units, according to Goldman.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Instead of guessing the right prompt keywords, a user can simply instruct the model to track the camera left, soften the lighting or maintain a character's expression across different scenes.
    — Coco Mao, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of soften
Noun
  • Finally cleared this offseason to fully do so and strapping on the pads again, the last thing the Bengals tight end wanted to hear was that he was being held out of any games, practices or even drills.
    — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The majority of their starters spent the second half conversing with folks in the stands, pads long gone, while Jones took the field for his first snaps as a true freshman.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of pad
Noun
  • This season, the wraparound shield-like sunglasses are having their moment.
    — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
  • These durable impact shields limit the minimum bending radius to prevent over-flexing while shielding the chain body from severe external abrasion.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of shield
Noun
  • The Champions League draw is only days away — and fans don’t have long to wait for international football’s return, either, with a bumper break from September 21 to October 6.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Last year, Ian Stamy took the state prize for his bumper soybean yield, coaxing an average of just over 100 bushels per acre from his operation in central Pennsylvania.
    — Scott Neuman, NPR, 20 Aug. 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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