cushion 1 of 2

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

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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

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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
The financial cushion tech provides helps the state fund public-sector jobs, health services, education, social services and more, Harger said. Levi Sumagaysay, Mercury News, 6 Jan. 2026 Venezuela had ridden a boom fueled by historically high oil prices — the lifeblood of its economy and virtually its sole export — but that cushion collapsed not long after Maduro was sworn in as president in 2013. Jorge Valencia, NPR, 5 Jan. 2026
Verb
The soft and cushioned bath mat comes in three elegant, muted colors (alabaster, clay, and eucalyptus) and doesn’t fade or lose its shape after washing. Quincy Bulin, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Jan. 2026 Hoka’s beloved Anacapa Low GTX was rising to the top with reviews for those with plantar fasciitis who needed a supportive and cushioned light-weight hiking sneaker. The Editors, Outside, 31 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cushion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushion
Noun
  • The facility’s noise would be capped at 75 decibels, with a 50-foot buffer recommended to limit impacts to the surrounding community.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The robot picks unsorted bearing rings and places them onto a buffer table.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Each of the eight luxurious scents is packed with softening coconut oil and shea butter.
    Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Fischer especially recommends making sound-softening updates in rooms with higher ceilings, open layouts, and hardwood flooring, all of which can amplify echo and reverb.
    Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Once the pads came on, Suamataia took virtually every first-team rep at left tackle.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Even one of the greatest ever to play this game, Joe Root, could not work out how to break free of the 36-year-old’s shackles here, failing to score a single run off him for 23 balls in a row before finally yielding to the python-like grip when missing one that homed in on his pads.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • For Dimon, bureaucracy is a reflex that creeps into any large institution and shields leaders from reality.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Rodriguez didn't name nuclear energy specifically, but advocated for businesses to invest in renewable energy as part of the data center boom, and Roys agreed the state should ensure companies invest in upgrades to the state's energy infrastructure and shield ratepayers from higher costs.
    Jessie Opoien, jsonline.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Berto is seen walking back to his truck, while the Tahoe driver walks toward the front end of the Tahoe, looks down at the bumper and shakes his head before turning to point the firearm at Berto, the affidavit said.
    Timia Cobb Breaking News Reporter, Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The coming year will likely see a bumper set of public offerings and M&A deals, analysts forecast.
    Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 2 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cushion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushion. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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