cushion 1 of 2

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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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
Finally, my mom sits down on the couch and my dog is underneath the couch cushions. Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025 Add cushions and an outdoor rug, and the space starts to feel like a true extension of your home. Karen Grossman, Southern Living, 24 June 2025
Verb
Treasury bonds are used as collateral for loans internationally as well as to cushion bank losses, among other things. Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 June 2025 The resulting $3,000 subsidy is meant to cushion expensive child care costs, which average about $900 a month or almost $11,000 a year in Dallas. Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cushion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushion
Noun
  • Goss at the time the public land was primarily to provide a buffer at either end of the runway.
    Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2025
  • In March, immediate changes to a swathe of application forms caused confusion for applicants, leading to a lawsuit from attorneys, and USCIS being forced to change course and offer at least two weeks' buffer time for the changes to take effect.
    Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • Freezing is best when using your onions for cooked dishes like soups, stews, sautés, or stir-fries, as the texture will soften after thawing.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 21 June 2025
  • Has the business with Grady softened their stance on him at all?
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • The mission was the 3rd in less than 30 hours for SpaceX among its 2 Florida and 1 California launch pads.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2025
  • Pair it with reusable cotton pads for an eco-friendly beauty routine.
    Jené Luciani Sena may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025
Noun
  • In Israel, people have taken shelter in stairwells and bomb shelters, and are coping with Tehran’s ability to penetrate the country’s sophisticated defense shield.
    Kristina Karisch, The Hill, 18 June 2025
  • Resilience becomes not just a shield, but a catalyst for future growth and innovation.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • The front and rear bumpers have been tweaked, and the lights are now LED.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 27 June 2025
  • Think of constraints like bumpers in a bowling alley.
    Duncan Wardle, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cushion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushion. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

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