soften

verb

ˈsȯ-fən How to pronounce soften (audio)
Definition of softennext
1
as in to weaken
to diminish the physical strength of three weeks of being sick in bed had noticeably softened her

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to alleviate
to lessen the shock of had tried to soften the blow of her rejection to his marriage proposal

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 soften The shoes will soften the edges of the denim and match the crisp feel of a long white coat. — Alex Sales, Glamour, 27 Sep. 2026 The women supposedly work more in caretaker jobs like teaching and healthcare, softening their views toward the least of us. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026 But that awareness didn’t make the members want to soften the statement. — Crystal Bell, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2026 The formula combines argan oil, vitamin E, aloe, and coconut oil to smooth and soften strands while protecting against breakage. — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for soften
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soften
  1. weaken
  2. alleviate
  3. mitigate
  4. temper
  5. buffer
  6. cushion
Verb
  • Fink said the churn weakens the tie between a worker and an employer.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Other potential causes are higher rates of chronic stress, depression and anxiety, as well as autoimmune diseases, which weaken the immune system, Curhan said.
    — Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of weaken
Verb
  • Hilton has tried to court voters, especially Latinos and independents, who dislike Trump but are also dissatisfied with California’s Democratic leadership and its failure to alleviate some of California’s most incessant problems.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Some analysts doubt a deal with Belarus, a sanctioned nation thousands of miles away, would alleviate America’s long-standing reliance on Canadian potash.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of alleviate
Verb
  • Masuda said his priorities include keeping rural hospitals open, tackling the high cost of living — with a focus on housing, health care and energy — and preparing for and mitigating the effects of wildfires through forest management.
    — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2026
  • For that reason, taking the appropriate steps to mitigate these issues is often necessary, particularly in the South.
    — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of mitigate
Verb
  • If even a project with as much momentum behind it as Kilby sees a possible slowdown ahead, other data center developers should temper their expectations for pacing accordingly.
    — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Whisking constantly, ladle 2 cups of the hot rice mixture into the bowl with the eggs to temper them.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of temper
Verb
  • Thanks to the coffered and baffled wood ceilings, noise levels are buffered and kept to a pleasant rumble.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • CFOs and operators should recognize that redemption pressure from 401(k) vehicles is structurally buffered at the fund level and is unlikely to translate into direct liquidity demands at the PortCo level.
    — Nate Heeren, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of buffer
Verb
  • Warren hit High on a sweep for another touchdown in the fourth quarter to cushion the Cardinal’s lead, 34-20.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Strength in cat product sales can cushion softness in the dog space.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of cushion

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soft drinks
soften
softened
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Cite this Entry

“Soften.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soften. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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