cushion
noun
cush·ion
| \ ˈku̇-shən
\
\
Definition of cushion
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: a soft pillow or pad usually used for sitting, reclining, or kneeling
2
: a bodily part resembling a pad
3
: something resembling a cushion: such as
a
: pillow sense 2
b
: rat sense 3
c
: a pad of springy rubber along the inside of the rim of a billiard table
d
: a padded insert in a shoe
e
: an elastic body for reducing shock
f
: a mat laid under a large rug to ease the effect of wear
4a
: something (such as an economic factor or a medical procedure) serving to mitigate the effects of disturbances or disorders
b
: a reserve supply (as of money)
c
: a comfortable lead
a 4–0 cushion in the ninth inning
cushion
verb
cushioned;
cushioning\ ˈku̇-sh(ə-)niŋ
\
\
Definition of cushion (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: to seat or place on a cushion
2
: to suppress by ignoring
3
: to furnish with a cushion
a cushioned seat
4a
: to mitigate the effects of
trying to cushion the blow
b
: to protect against force or shock
cushion the ride
5
: to check gradually so as to minimize shock of moving parts
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Other Words from cushion
Noun
cushionless
\ ˈku̇-shən-ləs
\
adjective
\
adjective
cushiony
\ ˈku̇-shə-nē
\
adjective
\
adjective
Synonyms for cushion
Synonyms: Noun
buffer, bumper, cocoon, cushioning, fender, pad
Synonyms: Verb
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Examples of cushion in a Sentence
Noun
There is a cushion under the rug to protect the floor. We didn't have a financial cushion when my husband lost his job.Verb
The pile of leaves helped cushion his fall. The tax cut is meant to cushion the blow of soaring gas prices.
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
As Kuforiji began to consecrate the bread and wine, kneeling cushions creaked as worshippers pulled them down from the pews. — oregonlive.com, "Reverence and resistance in one of Portland’s oldest Catholic churches," 11 Aug. 2019 The council also discussed a proposal to install speed cushions to calm traffic in residential neighborhoods. — Laura Groch, San Diego Union-Tribune, "How they voted, July 14," 14 July 2019 Ballard Designs offers Sunbrella fabric by the yard with a pretty lemon-and-leaf print that would be great on patio pillows or cushions; there are faux lemon branches here as well, to tuck in a vase or basket. — Kim Cook, Houston Chronicle, "Hello, yellow! Home decor’s upbeat hue should be used right," 12 July 2019 Does having that extra cushion make their income more stable? — Joe Garofoli, SFChronicle.com, "Income for all is on Democrats’ 2020 radar. One California city is trying it," 20 June 2019 Yamamoto enjoyed an early cushion thanks to Cooper, who pulled a two-out inside fastball that was off the plate for a grand slam in the second inning against Miles Mikolas (4-7). — Steven Wine, sun-sentinel.com, "Hawaiian punch: Yamamoto dazzles in major league debut as Marlins rout Cards," 13 June 2019 The chairs are red, blue, orange and yellow and have different colored cushions. — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Couple turn east side party house into historically appropriate home with lush gardens," 25 July 2019 This is not your standard celebrity engagement ring—read: cushion or emerald cut, 8-10 carats, set in platinum, pavé halo, the list goes on. — Carrie Goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "Scarlett Johansson's Engagement Ring Is One of The Chicest We've Ever Seen," 24 July 2019 Wood fiber will be under all equipment to cushion potential falls. — Molly Korzenowski, Twin Cities, "Rosemount park goes nature-based with new playground," 18 July 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
Wolverine’s good looking, lightweight, 6-inch moc-toe boot features a breathable fabric lining, nylon shank, and a cushioned, oil-resistant outsole. — Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, "The 10 Best Work Boots for Any Type of Job," 2 Aug. 2019 The Chinese economy is decelerating gradually, but further increases in the country’s already giant infrastructure spending have cushioned the shock. — New York Times, "Trump Goads China and Plays Down Chances of a Trade Deal Before 2020," 30 July 2019 Even after federal restrictions are lifted, protectionist laws at the state level may cushion the blow for domestic growers for a time. — Carol Ryan, WSJ, "Cannabis Investors Are Zoning Out About Supply," 27 June 2019 Trump wants to pump up growth ahead of the 2020 election and cushion the economic damage from his escalating trade war with China. — Don Lee, latimes.com, "Is the Federal Reserve about to cave to Trump’s demand to cut interest rates?," 18 June 2019 The ottoman is cushioned and white, situated in front of a pair of armchairs and dropped between an expansive kitchen and a living space lit by walls of windows. — Ross Dellenger, SI.com, "The Never-Before-Told Story of Kelly Orgeron, Colorful Wife of LSU's Colorful Head Coach," 2 July 2018 To help cushion the blow, the administration established a process that allows companies to apply for an exemption from the tariffs. — Jack Nicas, BostonGlobe.com, "Trump escalates feud with Apple over offshore factories," 26 July 2019 But the emergence of rookie Luis Rengifo, a switch-hitter batting .328 with five doubles and two home runs in his last 20 games, and continued steadiness from David Fletcher should help cushion the blow. — Maria Torres, latimes.com, "Loss of Tyler Skaggs tough for Angels on the field as well as off in the second half," 11 July 2019 To help cushion the blow, Mr. Trump rolled out two rounds of financial support to help subsidize the farmers. — Keith Bradsher, New York Times, "A China-U.S. Trade Truce Could Enshrine a Global Economic Shift," 29 June 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cushion.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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