as in softening
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
as in buffering
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
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Recent Examples of cushioning
Marc D. Grasso, Boston Herald, 5 Feb. 2026
These primarily serve a practical function, providing springy cushioning—but at the same time, the pillars are also a visual design element, giving the shoes a kind of elegant wedge heel without sacrificing their sporty aesthetic.
—Katharina Fuchs, Glamour, 1 Feb. 2026
Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 5 Jan. 2026
There’s also a distinction between cushioning and overall comfort.
—Outside, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cushioning
Noun
The iX is the epitome of comfort and luxury, as consumers add low-zero road noise, excellent seat cushioning and plenty of legroom for travel to their list of needs in a vehicle.
—Marc D. Grasso, Boston Herald, 5 Feb. 2026
These primarily serve a practical function, providing springy cushioning—but at the same time, the pillars are also a visual design element, giving the shoes a kind of elegant wedge heel without sacrificing their sporty aesthetic.
—Katharina Fuchs, Glamour, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
The industry has hardly remained static in the half-century since, as innovations in materials such as breathable mesh uppers, cushioning foam midsoles, and lightweight EVA outsoles have made running shoes better performing—and more comfortable—than ever.
—Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 5 Jan. 2026
There’s also a distinction between cushioning and overall comfort.
—Outside, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cushioning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushioning
Noun
-
So this time, Erik Spoelstra’s team gave itself more of a buffer, going up 22 in the first half on Friday night in Boston.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The city’s 1,000-foot buffer rule, to distance legal shops from child-centric places, exceeds state rules that call for a distance of at least 600 feet.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Is there a downside to softening butter quickly?—
Molly Allen,
Southern Living,
1 Feb. 2026
-
With a severe deficiency, bone softening (a condition called osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children) may develop.—
Mark Stibich,
Verywell Health,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Jacob Trouba, Alex Killorn and Ross Johnston also scored as the resurgent Ducks built a 4-0 cushion before fending off a late Seattle push.—
Assistant Sports Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
-
But the dealer altered the paperwork to make it 84 months, leaving a cushion to inject add-ons into the deal without the customer’s knowledge.—
Dave Lieber,
Dallas Morning News,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Barrier cream launches this time of year are plentiful, but there’s one that’s really worth your attention: Bubble’s Soft Swerve Barrier Restore Balm, an intensely emollient moisturizer that coats your skin in a nourishing formula that rewards you with a soft, supple complexion over night.—
Gina Vaynshteyn,
StyleCaster,
21 Jan. 2026
-
When shopping for a hydrating lip balm, focus on nourishing, emollient ingredients rather than those that create a temporary tingle.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Mill Creek Pool House reconstruction and installation of a splash pad (coming fall 2026 to spring 2027).—
Kendrick Calfee
February 8,
Kansas City Star,
8 Feb. 2026
-
The wireless charging pad, according to the manufacturer, charges faster.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Gurus can deliver millions of devoted followers as a consolidated vote bank, and in return politicians may provide a shield of patronage, according to Ronki Ram, a professor at the Institute for Development and Communication in Chandigarh, who has researched Singh and the Dera Sacha Sauda.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
-
In 1651, Thomas Hobbes used the Leviathan to represent a great monster made up of tiny individual elements (the shields).—
Big Think,
Big Think,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Depictions of such raw humanity have the capacity to shape us into more compassionate community members, more thoughtful voters and more indignant seekers of justice.—
Anya Sesay,
jsonline.com,
5 Feb. 2026
-
On the surface, this may sound compassionate.—
Eleanor Sobel,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
But there remained a solid mound of ice, curving out across the road, like a bumper on one side of a pool table.—
Naaman Zhou,
New Yorker,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Elite bumper players like Brayden Point and Leon Draisaitl are just as dangerous as shooters as passers.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cushioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushioning. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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