cushion 1 of 2

noun

ˈku̇-shən How to pronounce cushion (audio)
Definition of cushionnext
as in buffer
something that serves as a protective barrier used a blanket as a cushion between the two tables in the moving van

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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

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 cushion
Noun
The Lord Provost of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge then presented the King with the keys to the city on a cushion, offering them with the traditional words. — Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026 Full-back massage seat cushion with deep-kneading massage nodes, adjustable heat, vibration and customizable intensity turns any chair into a relaxation destination. — ABC News, 2 July 2026
Verb
But the fact is, Chris Drury wanted to make a big addition to expedite the process and cushion the blow of losing so much scoring talent. — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 27 June 2026 Since the war started, the industry has been relying on inventories — stockpiles of base oil — which has helped cushion the blow for retail customers. — Camila Domonoske, NPR, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cushion
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushion
  1. buffer
  2. soften
  3. pad
  4. shield
  5. bumper
Noun
  • Fortuitously, the small kiosk where Gil was encased acted as a kind of buffer, offering some measure of protection from the accumulation of debris looming above.
    — Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • However, the leather piping on the base does offer a small buffer of protection.
    — Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 July 2026
Definition of buffer
Verb
  • According to Ceconi, these products don’t actually soften, but instead deposit a waxy coating on the fabric.
    — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026
  • And that's especially critical this July with inflation surging again, wages softening and higher borrowing costs expected to remain unchanged for the foreseeable future.
    — Matt Richardson, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Definition of soften
Noun
  • Pre-soaked toner pads are infused with active ingredients to help smooth skin and enhance hydration, while the anti-aging moisturizer combines NAD+ and hyaluronic acid for a firmer, more radiant look.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
  • The company is currently rebuilding the pad, and working to determine what caused the anomaly.
    — Annie Palmer, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Definition of pad
Noun
  • Pair it with flip-flops, shield sunglasses, and a silver pendant necklace for a look that feels minimal but edgy.
    — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 2 July 2026
  • On the wall across the bar are autographs of former USMNT greats, scrawled inside a mighty shield.
    — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 2 July 2026
Definition of shield
Noun
  • Defense stocks have enjoyed a bumper year in 2026, as conflicts from Ukraine to Iran increase demand for munitions worldwide.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • The debut Elora neatly brings together a white RV box and a white chassis, offsetting all that brightness with numerous windows enclosed by black surrounds matching the Promaster front bumper.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 July 2026
Definition of bumper

Browse Nearby Words

curvy
cushion
cushioned
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cushion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushion. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on cushion

Nglish: Translation of cushion for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of gambol

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All