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
If only the Hogan administration had had such a cushion to start! David Brinkley, Baltimore Sun, 11 Feb. 2025 The Bears claimed an early 22-11 lead and outscored the RedHawks 17-9 in the second quarter for a 39-20 halftime cushion. Nwa Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
To cushion their sinuous eucalyptus forms, the duo came up with their own spin on traditional Banarasi fabric: an archival herringbone motif overlaid with numerical zeros that nod to Brahmagupta, the Hindu mathematician who developed the concept of nothingness in 628 AD. Mel Studach, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2025 The study also found that a federal disaster declaration could substantially cushion those negative impacts by pumping billions of dollars into the community. Lydia Depillis, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for cushion 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushion
Noun
  • Between the lines: Licensing staff recommend adopting state location restrictions on healing centers, including a 1,000-foot buffer from childcare centers and schools.
    Esteban L. Hernandez, Axios, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Everton now approach the final day of the window, and indeed the remainder of the season, with a significant buffer.
    Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The governor took pains to soften his liberal attack dog image, praising the president as a cooperative partner during crisis.
    Lia Russell, Sacramento Bee, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Add 2 tablespoons oil (3 tablespoons if not using pancetta), onion, and carrots to drippings in Dutch oven; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes.
    Julia Levy, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • And the Dennis Gross peel pads that some of us have been in a steady relationship with for over two decades now?
    Sam Escobar, Allure, 11 Feb. 2025
  • Little ones will love the splash pads and water slide area that’s just their size, and the whole family can bob around in the wave pool.
    Beth Luberecki, USA TODAY, 10 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Instead of protecting children, these exceptions have become a massive shield for EdTech companies to collect, maintain, and monetize student data with minimal oversight.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Another factor is why the Trump administration is seeking such a shield.
    David Szondy, New Atlas, 6 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • One section of the book shows off the bumpers that Ms. Matthews took during the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic.
    Callie Holtermann, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025
  • With Makar at the point, MacKinnon and McDavid on the flanks, Sam Reinhart in the bumper and Crosby at the net-front, there’s no shortage of weapons to punish opponents with the man advantage.
    Michael Russo, The Athletic, 12 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near cushion

Cite this Entry

“Cushion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushion. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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