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
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Recent Examples of cushion
George Yang, PC Magazine, 5 Mar. 2026
The convention center fund has a cushion in case that happens.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
The United States has federal oil reserves to help cushion the economic impact, the Trading Economics website said.
—Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cushion
Noun
The headphones are comfortable, with ear cushions designed to fit securely over your head.
—George Yang, PC Magazine, 5 Mar. 2026
The convention center fund has a cushion in case that happens.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
Tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve The Strategic Petroleum Reserve was formed in the 1970s to act as an oil emergency fund with the idea of cushioning the economy from the kind of shockwaves caused by the 1973-74 oil embargo.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
The United States has federal oil reserves to help cushion the economic impact, the Trading Economics website said.
—Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cushion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushion
Noun
-
Contractors or others with irregular income should have bigger cash buffers.—
Christine Benz,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
-
By maintaining a deep, decentralized buffer of hydrocarbons, any nation, whether a major producer or a critical importer, can sustain its domestic energy flow even when maritime arteries are severed.—
Siddharth Misra,
Fortune,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
By night, the scene softens with storm lanterns lit by hotel staff, who also patrol the premises.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Mar. 2026
-
To be more sensitive to modern audiences, O’Brien said that Howl’s revival would take fewer song requests while softening the onstage comedy bits, adding that its modern music and food menu of wings and flatbreads would also drive the bar’s success.—
Phillip Valys,
Sun Sentinel,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Recovery from the 2024 incident In August 2024, the space industry watched as a first-stage hot fire test ended in an explosion on the pad.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Mar. 2026
-
But Laughton, making his Kings debut, got that back two minutes later, lining a low wrist shot from a tough angle off the pads of Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The device could also be used to damp vibrations in aerospace vehicles, ships, and aircraft, and to provide a shield for sensitive military hardware and scientific instruments that are vulnerable to sudden shock.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Some oversized shield sunglasses, along with a handbag and stilettos adorned with Gucci's signature Horsebit hardware, topped off her edgy ensemble.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Elsewhere, deeper valances and vented sill covers help to smooth airflow, chrome parts—such as the bumpers and grille—are ceramic-coated, and all lights are upgraded to super-bright LEDs.—
Tim Pitt,
Robb Report,
10 Mar. 2026
-
The announcement comes on the back of a bumper start to the week for European AI companies.—
Kai Nicol-Schwarz,
CNBC,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cushion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushion. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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