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

Count seats against your list first, then fill any gaps with floor cushions or a blanket zone instead of buying furniture. — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026

His handsomeness was part of the joke, as well as the cushion for it. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

Verb

Using motion sensors and patented algorithms, the belt distinguishes everyday movements from a serious hip-impacting fall and deploys inflatable airbags, cushioning the hips, in less than 90 milliseconds—before the wearer hits the ground. — Lauryn Higgins, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

The remarks show that policymakers are moving from debating whether AI will disrupt jobs to deciding how to cushion the fallout, at a time when rapidly aging populations, particularly in Asia, already threaten to shrink workforces. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 12 Oct. 2026