cushion
7 synonyms for cushion, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A soft fabric pad used for comfort when sitting or leaning.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A soft fabric pad used for comfort when sitting or leaning.
“She fluffed up the cushions on the sofa.”
How to use cushion
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a financial cushion
cushion the blow
throw cushion
Etymology
From Old French coissin, from Vulgar Latin coxinus, "seat pad," ultimately from Latin coxa, "hip."
Full origin of cushion →Frequently asked questions
What does “cushion” mean?
The word “cushion” means a soft fabric pad used for comfort when sitting or leaning. In plain terms, a soft pad for comfort, or anything (including money) that softens a blow.
How do you pronounce “cushion”?
“Cushion” is pronounced KUU-shuhn (/ˈkʊʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “cushion” in a sentence?
Here is “cushion” used in a sentence: “She fluffed up the cushions on the sofa.”
What part of speech is “cushion”?
Depending on how it is used, “cushion” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “cushion” come from?
The word “cushion” comes from Vulgar Latin. From Old French coissin, from Vulgar Latin coxinus, "seat pad," ultimately from Latin coxa, "hip.".
Is “cushion” a common word?
“Cushion” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “cushion” have?
“Cushion” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a soft fabric pad used for comfort when sitting or leaning.
What is the difference between a cushion and a pillow?
A cushion is generally used for sitting or leaning support on chairs and sofas, while a pillow is typically associated with sleeping and is used to support the head. The two words overlap in casual use, but cushion more often refers to decorative or seating pads.
What does it mean to cushion a financial blow?
To cushion a financial blow means to soften its impact, often through savings, insurance, or other measures that absorb some of the loss. This figurative use extends the physical idea of a cushion softening an impact to financial or emotional situations.
Can cushion be used as a verb?
Yes, cushion works as a verb meaning to soften the effect of an impact or a difficult situation, as in "the airbag cushioned the collision" or "savings cushioned the layoff." This verb use applies to both physical impacts and difficult life events.
