CUSHION Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

cushion 1 of 2

noun

ˈku̇-shən

Definition of cushion

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

Relevance

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

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

The Utes were driving to try and add to their slim cushion but Latreveon McCutchin intercepted Dampier's pass at the Houston 34. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 Finish with outdoor rugs, throw blankets and cushions in weather-resistant fabric. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026

Verb

Yet China’s exports have continued to grow, helping to cushion its weakening domestic economy. — Keyu Jin, Time, 23 Oct. 2026 Hit your late 70s though, and you are not cushioned from bereavement. — Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cushion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushion

Noun

Creative freedom runs on a cash buffer, not on a good quarter.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026
With sanctions limiting borrowing and liquid reserves dwindling, analysts warn Russia could exhaust its financial buffers by early 2028 without further tax increases or spending cuts.

— David McHugh, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of buffer

Noun

In the aftermath, Blue Origin has moved with uncharacteristic speed to repair its launch pad to get New Glenn flying again, while investing $3 billion in Florida facilities to support a much higher launch cadence.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 29 Oct. 2026
Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, meanwhile, launched three times from January 2025 to April 2026, before a massive explosion on the launch pad during a test of its first stage engines occurred in May 2026.

— Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of pad

Noun

Each panel is different, their subtly shifting shapes recalling those of the shuttle’s heat-shield tiles.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
Lily sacrificed her life on that day to protect wee Harry, just a baby at the time of her death, with a love shield.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of shield

Noun

With six laps to go and David Gilliland leading the pack, Logano had Carson Hocevar on his bumper and Ross Chastain in front of him.

— Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Such armor typically consists of an outer sacrificial bumper that is separated from the main craft by space.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of bumper

Browse Nearby Words

curvy

cushion

cushioned

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Style

“Cushion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushion. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of cushion

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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