Synonyms of cushion

cushion 1 of 2

noun

ˈku̇-shən 

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

• buffer
• pad
• shield
• bumper
• fender
• cushioning
• cocoon
• padding
• barricade
• safeguard
• baffle
• muffler
• cordon

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

• soften
• buffer
• mitigate
• alleviate
• gentle
• temper
• dull
• moderate
• relieve
• modulate
• dampen
• baffle
• deaden
• obtund
• ease
• lighten
• allay
• assuage

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• intensify
• sharpen
• heighten

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cushion

Noun

That cushion grew in the 37th minute when Zambian forward Prisca Chilufya, who plays for Angel City FC in the NWSL, doubled their lead with a slick finish off a cross. — Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 6 Aug. 2026

How Often To Steam Clean Porch Cushions Porch cushions should be deep-cleaned at least twice a year and always before they are put into storage for winter. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2026

Verb

More crucially, the Rural Health Transformation Fund should be at least doubled to cushion the blow of Medicaid cuts. — Keith Humphreys, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026

To cushion the blow, the state utility has been forced to cover the gap with emergency imports from regional neighbors – a stop-gap measure that analysts say poses fiscal risks. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 29 July 2026