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

Hedges are used to define boundaries just as a fence would do, as a privacy screen, or as a windbreak or noise barrier to soften the sounds of nearby traffic and deflect wind. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2026

Despite geopolitical uncertainty and inflation softening consumer sentiment, US shoppers are still buying beauty, especially online. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 6 Nov. 2026

At low tide My habit in places like a rocky shore is to become still and let my vision soften. — Phil Starks, The Conversation, 6 Nov. 2026

The soft line from the front fender running down the side, dipping down at the doors, and kicking up on the rear fender is going to age and softens the entire look. — Joel Feder, The Drive, 6 Nov. 2026