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
Relevance
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
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Recent Examples of soften
The Federal Reserve is widely expected to hold rates steady through at least early spring and the dollar's longer-term outlook has softened considerably.
—
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
The delicate detail instantly softens the look and adds a romantic touch.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026
Instead, try adding vinegar to the rinse cycle for a natural softening effect.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026
When treated intentionally, a corner can soften a room and add height or sculpture.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for soften
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
The delicate detail instantly softens the look and adds a romantic touch.
—Amanda Le, InStyle, 3 Mar. 2026
Instead, try adding vinegar to the rinse cycle for a natural softening effect.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 3 Mar. 2026
When treated intentionally, a corner can soften a room and add height or sculpture.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for soften
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soften
Verb
-
Although weakened, the factions still survive, and could form a powerful, transnational and motivated insurgency when the time comes to fight whatever emerges if the Islamic Republic falls.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Mar. 2026
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Several bills that had been filed in the state Senate and House of Representatives, which critics have warned would weaken reporting and training standards for the Department of Child and Family Services, have been put on hold, according to state officials.—
Joseph States,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Concerns over the cost of housing in Boise cross demographic lines, and residents don’t think that their local government has done enough to alleviate the ongoing crunch.—
Mark Dee
March 3,
Idaho Statesman,
4 Mar. 2026
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To help alleviate any potential blowback, Strauss and the board requested that the city consider a broader area of outreach to inform neighbors, as well as additional signage giving advance notice about the project.—
Karen Billing,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The city is working with a contractor to mitigate those conditions.—
Tori Mason,
CBS News,
28 Feb. 2026
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The statute also requires that the Pentagon have exhausted any alternative, less intrusive courses of action to mitigate the risk prior to making the supply chain risk finding.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Netflix co-Chief Executive Ted Sarandos has since tried to temper these concerns.—
Samantha Masunaga,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
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How Obama tried to temper his answer the following day.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Chronic stress maintains an inflammatory state, slows elimination, and increases demand for buffering minerals.—
Mélanie Defouilloy,
Vogue,
24 Feb. 2026
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Today's initiatives are more explicitly driven by a need to buffer against geopolitical factors, Schröder said, reflecting a broader shift in how resource security is framed as industrial strategy and national security, rather than just crisis management.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Fiscal buffers Fiscal stimulus and subsidies could cushion some of the inflationary impact and relatively benign price pressures heading into 2026, providing a relatively comfortable starting point.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
4 Mar. 2026
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The flexible build and cushioned footbed allow for all-day comfort, while their sleek shape transitions easily from yard work to quick neighborhood errands.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Soften.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soften. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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