cushion 1 of 2

noun

ˈku̇-shən How to pronounce cushion (audio)
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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
Oil has given Norway a nice cushion, but the country has also managed the cushion unusually well — putting it in what is one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds. — Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 14 July 2026 The Bose QuietComfort headphones treat you to legendary active noise cancellation technology and plush protein leather ear cushion frames. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 14 July 2026
Verb
The crate was then cushioned within an outer container that featured shock-absorbing springs. — News Desk, Artforum, 10 July 2026 But imports of solar, batteries and EVs have been cushioning the blow. — Julia Simon, NPR, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cushion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushion
  1. buffer
  2. soften
  3. pad
  4. shield
  5. bumper
Noun
  • Without this buffer, storm surge and coastal erosion hit harder, which can threaten homes, roads and other infrastructure — and in worse cases, can force communities to relocate.
    — Laurie Mermet, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026
  • This gives you a buffer as well as more freedom to time international transfers.
    — Shane Clark, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of buffer
Verb
  • Ceviche arrives bright and cold, sharpened by citrus, softened by fresh seafood, and lifted with herbs and heat.
    — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026
  • The governor this year softened New York's ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gases, citing rising energy costs for consumers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 July 2026
Definition of soften
Noun
  • The Raptor 3s on that mission experienced in-flight issues, but the startup sequence on the launch pad went off without a hitch.
    — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026
  • Some companies are already using the SEC as the launching pad for their event contracts.
    — Ananya Chetia,Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 16 July 2026
Definition of pad
Noun
  • The particles pose one of the more severe threats for human activities in space, Brandt said, but the boundary of the heliosphere acts as a shield to protect our solar system from 70% of them.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • That’s why researchers are engineering the cancer-fighting cells to be smarter, and stronger, with a better sugar shield.
    — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
Definition of shield
Noun
  • That front bumper is reworked with red accents, and there are dashes of carbon fiber everywhere.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 July 2026
  • Interiors can be enrobed in leather matching the pattern of a handbag, while backup cameras are embedded into chrome bumpers.
    — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of bumper

Browse Nearby Words

curvy
cushion
cushioned
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Cite this Entry

“Cushion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushion. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of cushion for Spanish Speakers

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