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
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 cushioning
Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 19 Mar. 2026
The three-zone mattress is all about lumbar and hip support with ribbed cushioning.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2026
Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 20 Mar. 2026
Tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve The Strategic Petroleum Reserve was formed in the 1970s to act as an oil emergency fund with the idea of cushioning the economy from the kind of shockwaves caused by the 1973-74 oil embargo.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cushioning
Noun
The collection consists of the sneaker brand’s UNO sneakers (which, PSA, are a fab Nike Air Max alternative), Arch Fit, and Slip-Ins—all of which include some of the most impressive cushioning and support, so your feet won’t throb after standing for hours in a field.
—Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 19 Mar. 2026
The three-zone mattress is all about lumbar and hip support with ribbed cushioning.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2026
Verb
His challenge is finding a way to maximize the revenue boost from the oil price rise while cushioning the impact on the poorest people in a nation where around 60% of the population live below the World Bank’s poverty line.
—Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 20 Mar. 2026
Tap the Strategic Petroleum Reserve The Strategic Petroleum Reserve was formed in the 1970s to act as an oil emergency fund with the idea of cushioning the economy from the kind of shockwaves caused by the 1973-74 oil embargo.
—Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cushioning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushioning
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
-
The professor, who previously taught at Ferris State University in Michigan, acknowledged Denver’s softening apartment market, where vacancy is at its highest point since 2010.—
Matthew Geiger,
Denver Post,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Despite the rate of unemployment remaining low, the labor market has shown signs of softening.—
Domenico Montanaro,
NPR,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
To account for that, McClanahan says her clients' financial plans typically include an annual cushion for unexpected expenses — around $5,000 to $15,000 — with unused amounts able to carry over, though those cash-flow assumptions are updated each year.—
Mike Winters,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Newsom said the move to defer the funding and repay it at a later, unspecified point is necessary to create a cushion for uncertain state revenue projections and to avoid potentially allocating more money to schools than is actually available, since the budget isn’t finalized until the summer.—
Molly Gibbs,
Mercury News,
9 Apr. 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
-
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
Adjective
-
Review subscriptions and tidy receipts, then update prices or boundaries, because clear values help your compassionate nature avoid overgiving.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
But the sentiment at Augusta this week is generally compassionate.—
Don Riddell,
CNN Money,
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
Cite this Entry
“Cushioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushioning. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
