Synonyms of soften

soften

verb

ˈsȯ-fən 

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

• weaken
• hurt
• injure
• waste
• debilitate
• exhaust
• tire
• enfeeble
• paralyze
• damage
• sap
• enervate
• devitalize
• impair
• depress
• deplete
• cripple
• prostrate
• etiolate
• incapacitate
• disable
• harm
• impoverish
• hamstring
• grind (down)
• lay up
• wash out
• invalid
• wear out
• wear down
• unman
• break down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• strengthen
• fortify
• recruit
• energize
• harden
• beef (up)
• season
• invigorate
• rejuvenate
• vitalize
• toughen

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

• alleviate
• mitigate
• temper
• buffer
• cushion
• relieve
• ease
• dull
• gentle
• modulate
• deaden
• dampen
• moderate
• lighten
• allay
• baffle
• assuage
• obtund

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• intensify
• sharpen
• heighten

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of soften

In addition to softening the shape, Zurek also explored new types of leathers and finishes. — Talia Abbas, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026

The transmission builds on the current mechanical CVT by adding pneumatics to soften noise and harshness when maximum rpm are not needed. — New Atlas, 17 Aug. 2026

Segalovitz’s membership in Ra’am could soften that resistance. — Tomer Almagor, Sun Sentinel, 17 Aug. 2026

Everything else is there to season it, soften it, sharpen it, or give it something to push against. — Lillian Syme, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026