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

While still on a man advantage, Gauthier scored 36 seconds later for a two-goal cushion. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones These over-ear headphones have soft ear cushions that don’t press on your ears and a band that distributes pressure across your head for all-day comfort. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026

Verb

These could include measures to cushion the blow from higher energy prices. — ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, the productivity handoff that was supposed to cushion the slowdown is absent from the data. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cushion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushion

Noun

Economies have adjusted, while existing buffers and policy responses have helped absorb the shock.

— Jihad Azour, semafor.com, 5 Nov. 2026
Building realistic buffers, identifying dependencies early and reprioritizing when needed can help lean teams manage workloads without burning out.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of buffer

Verb

Unlike a traditional body lotion, the moisturizer’s lightweight, milky texture softens skin, smooths rough patches, and relieves dryness sans the greasy film.

— Madison San Miguel, Allure, 30 Oct. 2026
The reality is that this effect was a deliberate design choice to soften the edges of the villa and smooth out its different volumes.

— Francesca Longoni, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of soften

Noun

This bumper trip with Viking visits three countries, two rivers and a host of Christmas markets across 11 days.

— Rebekah Evans, TheWeek, 3 Nov. 2026
Ukraine is expecting another bumper harvest, with around 84 million tons of grain and oilseed forecast for 2026-27 season.

— Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of bumper

Browse Nearby Words

curvy

cushion

cushioned

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

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Synonyms of cushion

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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