as in softening
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
as in buffering
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 cushioning
Grace McCarty, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2026
The organic, flowy lines of the cushioning give the device a living quality that fits the current fashion obsession with the wild and active.
—Footwear News, 18 Mar. 2026
Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
These hydrocolloid gel bandages seal the blister and provide cushioning against further friction, which will get your kids back in the mood to meet Minnie Mouse super fast.
—Terri Peters, Parents, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cushioning
Noun
The seamless upper provides a glove-like fit around the ankle, which is a nonnegotiable for me when exercising, and the cushioning is bouncy and sturdy, not too soft.
—Grace McCarty, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2026
The organic, flowy lines of the cushioning give the device a living quality that fits the current fashion obsession with the wild and active.
—Footwear News, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
The super soft fleece material and cushioning provide ultimate comfort, and it can be attached to your luggage.
—Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
These hydrocolloid gel bandages seal the blister and provide cushioning against further friction, which will get your kids back in the mood to meet Minnie Mouse super fast.
—Terri Peters, Parents, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cushioning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cushioning
Noun
-
Police are blocking a lane of traffic to keep a buffer between people and vehicles.—
Cate Charron,
IndyStar,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Funds typically have five or more years to deploy committed capital, providing a buffer against short-term market disruption.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
On the other hand, taupe bags work just as well with bold color pairings, softening them with a sense of ease.—
Minty Mellon,
Vogue,
31 Mar. 2026
-
So far lawmakers haven’t, slowing, softening and then shooting down a bipartisan measure that would have enlisted the state Department of Agriculture to take on the burgeoning pest.—
Mark Dee
March 31,
Idaho Statesman,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Use your vacuum’s specialized upholstery and crevice tools to clean under seat cushions.—
Sunshine Flint,
Architectural Digest,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Weighing just under 300 grams, the headphones are comfortable to wear for long periods thanks to the memory foam ear cushions and soft leather.—
George Yang,
PC Magazine,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Barrier cream launches this time of year are plentiful, but there’s one that’s really worth your attention: Bubble’s Soft Swerve Barrier Restore Balm, an intensely emollient moisturizer that coats your skin in a nourishing formula that rewards you with a soft, supple complexion over night.—
Gina Vaynshteyn,
StyleCaster,
21 Jan. 2026
-
When shopping for a hydrating lip balm, focus on nourishing, emollient ingredients rather than those that create a temporary tingle.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The first week of spring practice has come and gone for coach Tim Albin and the Charlotte 49ers, who put on pads for the first time Saturday morning.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
-
Sleeping bags were permitted, but not pillows or pads.—
Charles Bethea,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The heat shield will experience temperatures of up to 5,000 degrees as the spacecraft rapidly slows in a blaze of atmospheric friction.—
William Harwood,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The most violent and thuggish regime on earth would be free to carry out their campaigns of terror, coercion, conquest, and mass murder from behind a nuclear shield.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Investing in specialized, age-appropriate behavioral health programming is both compassionate and practical.—
Crystal Hudson,
New York Daily News,
1 Apr. 2026
-
With each conversation, Christina stayed compassionate, caring, and curious about his HS—the three C's Chaz wanted in a partner.—
Health Editorial Team,
Health,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Now, Uber is right on their bumper.—
Michael Butler,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
-
King allegedly backed his vehicle at slow speed into the detective vehicle’s bumper.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cushioning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cushioning. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
