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 benches near the dining table and others throughout the home lift up to store life jackets, cushions and other assorted items. — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 Setting aside a cushion in August, rather than treating the first shopping trip as the finish line, can prevent a September surprise. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026

Verb

The heels even have cushioned insoles as well as smooth details to prevent chafing sensitive skin. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026 Industrial production and exports tied to the global AI investment boom have helped cushion weak consumption and private investment, but July data suggest that support may be thinning. — Anniek Bao,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cushion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushion

Noun

Building cardiorespiratory fitness and maintaining a consistent exercise practice may provide leaders with an additional buffer during those demanding periods.

— Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Seko is advising shippers to build seven- to 10-day-plus buffers into east China bookings and prepare for potential port omissions, blank sailings and cargo diversions to alternative gateways including Qingdao, Busan and Hong Kong.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of buffer

Noun

Not wanting to go through a repeat of uncertainty for FY27, Roman mission management began eyeing faster routes to the launch pad.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 27 Aug. 2026
The granite landing pad is not yet complete, though it was partially unveiled during a press tour led by the president last week.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of pad

Noun

An adult purple gallinule has a bright purple and green body with a pale blue marking that resembles a shield above its red and yellow bill.

— Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Protective, almost — which makes sense, as its stunning chandeliers are designed to look like the shields and spears of African Masai warriors.

— Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of shield

Noun

The Champions League draw is only days away — and fans don’t have long to wait for international football’s return, either, with a bumper break from September 21 to October 6.

— Cerys Jones, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Last year, Ian Stamy took the state prize for his bumper soybean yield, coaxing an average of just over 100 bushels per acre from his operation in central Pennsylvania.

— Scott Neuman, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of bumper

Browse Nearby Words

curvy

cushion

cushioned

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Cushion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushion. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of cushion

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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