CUSHION Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

cushion 1 of 2

noun

ˈku̇-shən

Definition of cushion

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

Williams was shoving all night, but Jose Ramirez gave him quite a nice cushion, golfing a two-run home run in the fourth inning. — Ryan Morik Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026 Designer sisters Ana and Cristina Calderon have created a variation on Pinto Coelho’s theme, with four-posters in neutral hues, bright blankets and cushions, and Gustavian armchairs. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Verb

Investigators believe Ramirez tightly embraced her daughter during the fall, likely cushioning the baby from the impact, ABC7 NY reported. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2026 This one’s faux-fur trim and lining and cushioned Skechers Memory Foam™ footbed will keep their feet incredibly toasty. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cushion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushion

Noun

The site would also include landscaping and arborvitae to create a visual buffer.

— Jennifer McLogan, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026
The 48-hour buffer companies used to count on isn’t coming back, and every year the window narrows further.

— Ronn Torossian, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of buffer

Verb

Certain oils can soften dry, flaky skin and help reduce moisture loss, which may be especially helpful if your scalp feels tight or dry after shampooing.

— Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
Lead times for the iPhone 18 Pro have softened in several markets compared with the prior cycle, while the more expensive Pro Max has held up better, according to JPMorgan's tracking.

— MacKenzie Sigalos,Kif Leswing, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of soften

Noun

Growing up in Birmingham in the Nick Saban era made the pain of each loss worse, as the Crimson Tide was plastered over every bumper and yard sign and half of the shirts of my classmates.

— Austin Evans, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2026
Also, passenger road vehicles use safety features like steel bumpers and crumple zones to absorb impact forces during collisions.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of bumper

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curvy

cushion

cushioned

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“Cushion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushion. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of cushion

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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