cushion 1 of 2

as in buffer
something that serves as a protective barrier used a blanket as a cushion between the two tables in the moving van

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cushion

2 of 2

verb

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

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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 cushion
Noun
Many working families don’t have any cushion at all. Chris Mattei, Hartford Courant, 2 June 2025 The sectional comes in a gray frame with black cushions and a brown frame with beige cushions, and both are on sale up to 57 percent off. Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 2 June 2025
Verb
The American Rescue Plan Act helped cushion the city’s budget for a few years, but that federal COVID-19 relief money has since dried up. Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 22 May 2025 Plus Nemo’s Disco sleeping bag is designed for side sleepers, so it’s cushioned on the hips and has a flap near the top to keep your face warm without getting stuffy. Danielle Hallock, AFAR Media, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cushion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushion
Noun
  • This inflated sense of self serves as a defense mechanism: a buffer against any and all feelings of shame, powerlessness or worthlessness.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • In Donald Trump’s first administration, he was surrounded by buffers and filters—but in his second, he’s surrounded by amplifiers.
    The Editors, The Atlantic, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • The experience of caring for another living creature has been found to soften inmates’ anger, allowing some to experience warmth and affection for the first time in their lives.
    John Blake, CNN Money, 8 June 2025
  • In European competition, Postecoglou softened his principles and played functional football.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 7 June 2025
Noun
  • The launch pad endured a lightning strike on April 27, but SpaceX said the rocket was healthy for the attempt.
    Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2025
  • The booster used Tuesday previously launched on Starship's seventh test flight in January before it was caught back at the launch pad and refurbished for another space shot.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • Bielema was coaching the punt shield phase of the Badgers special teams unit and was ready to make a bold call.
    Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 30 May 2025
  • Critics have raised concerns that the effort to create such a shield would raise suspicions and exacerbate a global arms race as well as accelerate the weaponization of space.
    Chad de Guzman, Time, 27 May 2025
Noun
  • Riders can accelerate and decelerate to regulate speed and the cars feature front and rear bumpers for inevitable low-speed run-ins.
    Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 5 June 2025
  • Fast, not scared to use his front bumper, don't care if somebody gets mad about it and on the verge of becoming a star.
    Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cushion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushion. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

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