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

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
Find table linens, throw blankets, chair cushions, wall art, and area rugs in the darling pattern that nail the sweet spot between nostalgic and trendy. Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2026 Other gifts included a traditional Bedouin tent and tables, cushions and carpets that Epstein later set up on his island. Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
Spain, for example, has doubled its wind and solar capacity in recent years, cushioning the blow of global energy shocks. Brian Lee, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026 Others in Europe, such as Italy, have so far opted to double down on fossil fuels to cushion the blow from surging electricity bills. Natasha Bracken, semafor.com, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cushion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushion
Noun
  • Build buffer time, trim one commitment, then return to the itinerary with even gentler expectations and a simpler packing list.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
  • In suburban areas, priorities include planting native vegetation in yards, parks and roadside buffers and improving road crossings where animals are most at risk.
    Eve Bohnett, The Conversation, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Your 7th House of Partnership softens as the Moon arrives, increasing the happiness in one-to-one bonds, platonic or not.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Cora offered confidence in his ace but didn’t soften the dire position in which the club finds itself.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There is a rocket launch pad that uses a pivoting, spinning lever mechanism to simulate a blastoff from Earth to the moon.
    Ian Stokes, Space.com, 5 Apr. 2026
  • More practical touches include a dual wireless charging pad, an electric roller shutter for the cargo area, and a USB port integrated into the rearview mirror for powering a dashcam.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The easy-to-use glossing treatment, which should be applied to damp hair and followed by a blow dryer to activate the frizz-fighting alpha acids, is a semi-permanent smoothing spray that basically creates a water-resistant shield to prevent flyaways—even in the most humid of places.
    Eva Thomas, InStyle, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Teams unanimously approved sticking with the hardware for Artemis II and only adjusting the reentry trajectory, instead of replacing the heat shield.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Woods was sitting on the bumper of a vehicle while taking the test.
    Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Global dealmaking sees strong 2026 start Global dealmaking had a bumper start to the year despite geopolitical turmoil.
    Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 2 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cushion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushion. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on cushion

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster