EMOLLIENT Synonyms: 63 Similar and Opposite Words

emollient

adjective

Definition of emollient

as in softening

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 emollient Meanwhile, emollient vitamin E and softening jojoba seed oil condition your natural nails, leaving them (and the skin around them) feeling softer and more hydrated. — Sarah Felbin, Allure, 30 Apr. 2026 The formula is infused with emollient fatty acids to help support the skin’s moisture barrier, while its semi-sheer finish ensures a soft glow—far from the heavy-handed bronzer looks of the mid-2010s. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for emollient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for emollient

Adjective

Weeks’ mother described her daughter as passionate about music and justice, witty and compassionate.

— Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
Such a bond occurs when a judge grants a compassionate release for inmates who are in failing health and no longer a threat to the community.

— Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026

Definition of compassionate

Adjective

Just when a dreadful day was approaching a merciful end, the chants from the remaining crowd at Citi Field poked fun at the New York Mets’ mess in a way boos cannot match with ridicule.

— Will Sammon, New York Times, 25 June 2026
That painful night in Dallas now feels merciful, compared with what this Avs team just experienced.

— Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 27 May 2026

Definition of merciful

Adjective

There was a credible argument for being more lenient, but also one for dismissing the striker.

— Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
One of the features of this World Cup has been the desire of FIFA officials, under the direction of former World Cup final referee Pierluigi Collina, to be lenient in games and allow matches to flow without excessive disruption.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of lenient

Browse Nearby Words

emitting

emollient

emolument

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Emollient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emollient. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of emollient

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on emollient

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

gambol

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Popular in Wordplay

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes