CUSHION Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

cushion 1 of 2

noun

ˈku̇-shən

Definition of cushion

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

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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

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

Likewise, Dopamine Chamber was recorded in various locales, including London, the English countryside, and Palermo, Italy, where Chatten built a DIY booth from mattresses and cushions. — Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 18 Aug. 2026 The sleeping surface measures 82 inches (208 cm) long and is widened via slim supplementary cushions to 57 inches (145 cm) at the head by the doors, tapering to 50 inches (127 cm) at the foot between the wheel wells. — New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2026

Verb

The heels even have cushioned insoles as well as smooth details to prevent chafing sensitive skin. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026 Industrial production and exports tied to the global AI investment boom have helped cushion weak consumption and private investment, but July data suggest that support may be thinning. — Anniek Bao,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cushion

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushion

Noun

Of these, two were critical-rated and both were of the buffer overflow variety.

— Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
The land also provides a buffer from heat and flooding worsened by climate change.

— Jenny Staletovich, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of buffer

Noun

In March 2026, the Canadian government announced a 10-year, CAD $200M lease agreement with Maritime Launch Services for a dedicated launch pad at Spaceport Nova Scotia.

— IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 20 Aug. 2026
Negotiations over the Draco pad had been underway for nearly two years.

— Sarah Horbacewicz, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of pad

Noun

The Champions League draw is only days away — and fans don’t have long to wait for international football’s return, either, with a bumper break from September 21 to October 6.

— Cerys Jones, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Last year, Ian Stamy took the state prize for his bumper soybean yield, coaxing an average of just over 100 bushels per acre from his operation in central Pennsylvania.

— Scott Neuman, NPR, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of bumper

Browse Nearby Words

curvy

cushion

cushioned

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Style

“Cushion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushion. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of cushion

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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