as in softened
to lessen the shock of
a substantial nest egg helped to cushion the sudden loss of her job
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Recent Examples of cushioned
Between 48 percent off platform sandals that feel just as cushioned as sneakers, to 60 percent off flexible, low-profile sneakers that’ll never challenge an overpacked suitcase, any of the shoes below will carry you through your summer outings in style.
—
Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2026
Shea butter, glycerin, and vitamin E keep lips soft, cushioned, and hydrated, while a lineup of peptides supports smoother, fuller-looking lips.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 May 2026
His body is pin-cushioned with debris.
—Kansas City Star, 22 May 2026
China, the world's largest crude importer, has cushioned the worst of the energy shock through its strategic oil stockpiles and a diversified mix of renewable energy sources — though economists warn the buffer has limits as the disruption prolongs.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 11 May 2026
These sandals combine standout feminine style — including details like tiny flowers and a slightly elevated heel — with serious support, thanks to a contoured footbed and thickly cushioned design.
—Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 7 May 2026
This Melissa model is a crowd favorite for a reason — it’s structured, sophisticated, impressively cushioned, and composed of cream-of-the-crop leather that will last you for many years (if not decades) of careful wear.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
Larger airlines have cushioned the blow somewhat by hiking some fees and fares and cutting flights.
—Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
My fall was cushioned by lots of Dominos and DoorDash.
—Laura House, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 29 May 2026
Shea butter, glycerin, and vitamin E keep lips soft, cushioned, and hydrated, while a lineup of peptides supports smoother, fuller-looking lips.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 May 2026
His body is pin-cushioned with debris.
—Kansas City Star, 22 May 2026
China, the world's largest crude importer, has cushioned the worst of the energy shock through its strategic oil stockpiles and a diversified mix of renewable energy sources — though economists warn the buffer has limits as the disruption prolongs.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 11 May 2026
These sandals combine standout feminine style — including details like tiny flowers and a slightly elevated heel — with serious support, thanks to a contoured footbed and thickly cushioned design.
—Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 7 May 2026
This Melissa model is a crowd favorite for a reason — it’s structured, sophisticated, impressively cushioned, and composed of cream-of-the-crop leather that will last you for many years (if not decades) of careful wear.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
Larger airlines have cushioned the blow somewhat by hiking some fees and fares and cutting flights.
—Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 2 May 2026
My fall was cushioned by lots of Dominos and DoorDash.
—Laura House, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushioned
softened
Verb
-
These were not tacos reverse-engineered for a white-tablecloth audience or softened for white palates.—
Brock Keeling,
Oc Register,
3 June 2026
-
Officials softened the course so much for the final day that Tommy Fleetwood shot 63.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cushioned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushioned. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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