cushion 1 of 2

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

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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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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
The four-run burst gave Dodgers starter Eric Lauer a comfortable cushion in an uncomfortable spot. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 3 June 2026 The seats are fitted with removable cushions with machine-washable covers for easy maintenance. Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
Verb
The move positions South Africa at the vanguard of a small group of emerging markets hiking rates to cushion the impact of the Iran war upending global supply chains. Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 29 May 2026 Modern outdoor seating can definitely have cushioning, and this duo of chairs that Christina Lauren Designs included on this back porch couldn't appear more plush. Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 29 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for cushion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushion
Noun
  • Communicate early, and protect a realistic buffer today.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 30 May 2026
  • The April personal consumption expenditures price index reported this week showed a drop in Americans' savings rate, which could mean less of a buffer to absorb future shocks.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 29 May 2026
Verb
  • Inside, its modernist lines are softened by lush textiles and the soft curves of furnishings from Urquiola’s designs for Italian brands such as Cassina and Molteni, as well as the vertical gardens developed by botanist Patrick Blanc.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Reports suggest OpenAI's financials are comparatively weaker and that secondary market demand for its shares has softened—while competition for Anthropic secondary shares has been described as fierce.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Others pushed back and argued the blue object was simply Clark's bench seat pad, not some AI glitch.
    Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026
  • Despite the fact it was built in 2024, the couple still wanted the floor plan and interior design of their new pad to be completely reconfigured.
    Nicolas Milon, Architectural Digest, 30 May 2026
Noun
  • The latest the series can end is June 17; the shield stopping him from answering questions — not just about his past, but his present and future — is likely to stay in place.
    Sean Gentille, New York Times, 2 June 2026
  • Sherrill cited public safety concerns after officials reported protesters had set tires and chairs on fire, thrown makeshift projectiles and weaponized police shields.
    Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Heated Rivalry streamer Crave has picked up the format for French Canada and will make a bumper 10 x 60-minute version of the show that sees celebrities push giant balls across various terrains.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 2 June 2026
  • The bumpers have been reworked, and the D-pad is more responsive as well, with a new dome beneath for more tactile feedback.
    Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 1 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cushion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushion. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

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