cushioned

past tense of cushion
as in softened
to lessen the shock of a substantial nest egg helped to cushion the sudden loss of her job

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 cushioned The heel is generously cushioned for extra impact absorption, an asset to any frequent or long-distance runners. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026 When packing bananas in your bag, make sure they’re cushioned and not packed too tightly to avoid splitting. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026 Cheng Xin | Getty Images China's consumer and wholesale inflation rebounded in August, as higher global commodity costs and surging high-tech demand cushioned persistently tepid domestic consumption. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026 Wall Street’s own economists find that the households most exposed to AI’s risks are also the ones cushioned by stock portfolios large enough to absorb them. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026 Many higher-income countries, though challenged by the disruption, have cushioned the blow by tapping strategic reserves or using their financial and political clout to secure emergency supplies. — Nana Menya Ayensu, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2026 Asics Novablast 6 Sneaker Energetic and highly cushioned, with neutral support, Asics’ Novablast 6 is the perfect introductory road-running shoe for folks not interested in chasing speed or superhuman distance. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams still haven’t practiced and running backs have had a revolving door to the trainer’s room, while the loss of receiver Ricky Pearsall was cushioned by the availability of old friend Deebo Samuel. — The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Now on sale for 25 percent off, these simple sneakers will prove easy to style and endlessly supportive, with foam insoles that are simultaneously lightweight and well-cushioned. — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 20 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushioned
softened
Verb
  • Grace softened her face, focusing on the light in Ella's chestnut eyes, knowing that her gaze would be felt by her daughter.
    — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Growth in the world’s second-largest economy softened to its slowest in more than three years in the second quarter, as a multiyear property downturn continued to depress consumer demand and investment in real estate and infrastructure.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cushioned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushioned. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

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