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
Madeline Merinuk,
PEOPLE,
25 June 2026
Project Cloud Genuine Leather Beach Sandal Project Cloud's soft shoes with memory foam cushioning are a favorite of InStyle editors.
—
Kaelin Dodge,
InStyle,
24 June 2026
Eva Thomas,
InStyle,
21 May 2026
But so far, the AI boom is cushioning any investor caution, with stocks continuing to rally.
—
Kai Nicol-Schwarz,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for cushioning
Noun
For cute but comfy summer footwear, grab the KuaiLu Arch-Support Flip-Flops with supportive cushioning that holds up to 20,000-step days.
—
Madeline Merinuk,
PEOPLE,
25 June 2026
Project Cloud Genuine Leather Beach Sandal Project Cloud's soft shoes with memory foam cushioning are a favorite of InStyle editors.
—
Kaelin Dodge,
InStyle,
24 June 2026
Verb
Spend a bit of time on your summer shoe purchase; look for details like cushioning and arch support, and even better if the style has an APMA seal.
—
Eva Thomas,
InStyle,
21 May 2026
But so far, the AI boom is cushioning any investor caution, with stocks continuing to rally.
—
Kai Nicol-Schwarz,
CNBC,
19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for cushioning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushioning
Noun
-
Gina Martinez, chair of the executive board of the Wilmington Neighborhood Council, said the land in question provides a vital buffer between port activity and residential communities.
-
Files, buffers, cuticle tools and even gel systems can last for months or years with proper care, which means the math tilts in favor of DIY after just a few uses.
Adjective
-
Meanwhile, emollient vitamin E and softening jojoba seed oil condition your natural nails, leaving them (and the skin around them) feeling softer and more hydrated.
-
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.
Verb
-
National polling on the administration’s immigration policies tends to follow party lines, drawing Democrats’ disapproval and Republicans’ support, but recent polling suggests some softening among the latter.
-
In France, Le Pen and her allies are leading in polls by softening their apocalyptic rhetoric and instead promising big-government populist economic relief.
Noun
-
That provided a significant cushion for prices.
-
But despite a somewhat cold final 10 minutes, the Valkyries’ cushion was just too big for the Dream to overcome.
Adjective
-
At their best, Cancers are compassionate, loyal, intuitive and deeply devoted.
-
And the Supreme Court's ruling says that this means those people'spunishments are not extraordinary or compelling, as the compassionate release program mandates.
Noun
-
Root added only two runs to his overnight 75 and was beaten by Henry between bat and pad and struck plumb on the back thigh.
-
At one practice during the fall of 2024, Washington’s assistant athletic director of football academics Diamond Brown was standing on the sideline when Jonah bounded up to her in full pads and begun complaining about his grade in a music class.
Noun
-
Reflective, multilayer shields will block the most heat, and ones with a thicker foam core will work much better than thin ones.
-
The federal program, established by Congress in 1990, shields immigrants from countries in turmoil from deportation.
Noun
-
Chip workers at both SK Hynix and Samsung are expecting hefty bonuses this year, thanks to bumper profits at both chipmakers.
-
His quick snap shot from the bumper became a specialty and made the B’s power play a monster, especially when Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak were on his flanks.
Cite this Entry
“Cushioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushioning. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
