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
Egypt, a team that hadn’t gotten out of the group stage in three prior World Cup appearances, now enjoyed a 2-0 cushion. — Sean Gregory, Time, 7 July 2026 Even these weak muscle signals were sufficient to trigger inflation of the glove’s pneumatic air cushions. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 7 July 2026
Verb
The International Monetary Fund said in May that global oil price hikes were eating into mineral export profits — which are a key source of income for the DR Congo, a global mining hub — calling for corrective measures to cushion the shock. — Ruben Nyanguila, semafor.com, 6 July 2026 It’s equipped with the same overall upper design and most crucially, uses a combination of Abzorb and Abzorb SBS underfoot cushioning. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cushion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushion
  1. buffer
  2. soften
  3. pad
  4. shield
  5. bumper
Noun
  • Fortuitously, the small kiosk where Gil was encased acted as a kind of buffer, offering some measure of protection from the accumulation of debris looming above.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • However, the leather piping on the base does offer a small buffer of protection.
    — Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 July 2026
Definition of buffer
Verb
  • With more than 2,000 excess deaths recorded over six days at the peak of the June heat, according to health authorities, France’s cultural resistance to AC has started to soften.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
  • The ingredient list includes avocado, which is rich in fats and helps boost flexibility—thereby helping to prevent breakage—as well as sweet almond oil and shea butter for moisturizing and softening.
    — Eden Stuart, Glamour, 7 July 2026
Definition of soften
Noun
  • The top-of-the-stack Nobu Villa—more than 10,000 square feet of rooftop garden, terrace, and showpiece entertaining space—is one of the city’s splashiest party pads, but the quiet win is how good the regular rooms feel for the rate.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
  • Signs paws have already been burned include limping, refusing to walk, licking or chewing feet, darker or damaged pads and visible blisters or redness.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026
Definition of pad
Noun
  • Once the shields are gone, players can lower its health to defeat it.
    — Gieson Cacho, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
  • Next is an incredible 30% clearance on the Sonos Ace Noise Cancelling headphones, a plush acoustic shield engineered to neutralize household background racket.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 8 July 2026
Definition of shield
Noun
  • Defense stocks have enjoyed a bumper year in 2026, as conflicts from Ukraine to Iran increase demand for munitions worldwide.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • The debut Elora neatly brings together a white RV box and a white chassis, offsetting all that brightness with numerous windows enclosed by black surrounds matching the Promaster front bumper.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 July 2026
Definition of bumper

Browse Nearby Words

curvy
cushion
cushioned
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Cite this Entry

“Cushion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushion. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cushion

Nglish: Translation of cushion for Spanish Speakers

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