CUSHIONS Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

cushions 1 of 2

noun

plural of cushion

as in buffers

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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cushions

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of cushion

as in softens

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 cushions

Noun

The benches near the dining table and others throughout the home lift up to store life jackets, cushions and other assorted items. — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 In the living room, for instance, 1950s Danish oak easy chairs, a custom shearling-upholstered sectional piled with cushions, and a 1950s Lisa Johansson-Pape brass floor lamp gather around the fireplace. — Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 21 Aug. 2026 When you’re done lounging, simply tuck it back beneath the loveseat to save space while discreetly storing outdoor cushions, citronella candles, blankets, and other patio essentials. — Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Aug. 2026 The Bose QuietComfort over-ear headphones combine legendary noise cancellation with plush ear cushions designed for fatigue-free all-day study sessions. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026 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 The album was recorded with Ford across London, the English countryside and Palermo, Italy, where Chatten laid down vocals inside a makeshift booth assembled from mattresses and cushions. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 18 Aug. 2026 Shanahan, whose concussion from a July 14 car crash hindered him at the start of camp, said players’ Guardian-cap cushions can only do so much. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026

Verb

While the sole is much thinner than many of the other options on our list, it’s made out of plush memory foam that cushions the foot with every step. — Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 30 July 2026 The glossy oil-gel formula cushions lips with squalane, passion fruit seed oil, and sodium hyaluronate for juicy hydration, while a hint of peppermint and menthol delivers a subtle cooling sensation that makes lips feel instantly refreshed. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 July 2026 The egg-crate foam promotes airflow and cushions pressure points, and the zip-off cover is machine-washable for quick refreshes. — Kasey Caminiti, USA Today, 25 May 2026 Shoppers are raving about this $7 kneeling pad that cushions aging knees against hard, damp, and dirty ground. — Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026 The comfy gel pad cushions your joints, and provides gentle compression to reduce pain and swelling. — Tory Johnson, ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026 Its dense, ointment-like texture melts on contact, forming a protective seal that cushions fragile skin while locking in moisture. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2026 It’s made with a flexible and plush EVA midsole that cushions every step and absorbs shock keeping foot pain away. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 26 Feb. 2026 In a healthy economy, the middle and working classes provide a floor of stable demand that cushions this volatility. — Katica Roy, Fortune, 14 Jan. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushions

Noun

If experimentally realized, programmable delay systems like this could eventually be used to synchronize optical signals, create adjustable delay lines and buffers, reshape optical transmission bands, and perform frequency conversion.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
Resilience without buffers is just endurance, and endurance is not a development strategy.

— Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of buffers

Verb

With no score, the film’s vivid sound design of billowing foliage, creaky doors and floorboards, creates an austere ambience that softens with quiet feeling as the contours of the family’s troubles are gradually filled out.

— Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026
The former works on the surface of the skin and delivers an immediate boost of hydration that instantly plumps fine lines and softens skin texture.

— Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of softens

Noun

Driving fatigue is very real, thanks to so many Mad Maxes riding bumpers or blowing through red lights or completely ignoring the speed limit.

— Donna Vickroy, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
In a flat pinball machine, a ball could stay trapped bouncing between three bumpers forever.

— Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of bumpers

Noun

Protective, almost — which makes sense, as its stunning chandeliers are designed to look like the shields and spears of African Masai warriors.

— Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
To protect them from interference from magnetic or electric fields, scientists have to dedicate large vacuum chambers and shields that can take up big lab spaces.

— Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of shields

Noun

Speaking to the state Transportation Commission last week in San Diego, Kosup stressed that another reason for the fenders is that Navy ships have also gotten larger since the bridge opened.

— David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026
The other stews help out with lines and fenders, and the docking is a success.

— Emma Soren, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of fenders

Noun

The caterpillar even guards the wasp’s cocoons before eventually dying.

— Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2026
Regularly inspect your clothing and textiles, such as curtains, tablecloths, and cloth napkins, for signs of moth activity, such as holes, larvae, or cocoons.

— Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 2026

Definition of cocoons

Browse Nearby Words

cushionings

cushions

cushy

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“Cushions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushions. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of cushions

noun

verb

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