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
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Recent Examples of soften
Due primarily to the timing of major studio film release dates, a weak first quarter was followed by a blazing hot second quarter, which then was followed by a softening third quarter.
—
Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025
To remove these stubborn spots before cleaning, dip a cloth into isopropyl or rubbing alcohol and dab it over the area to soften and remove buildup.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025
Avoid items that are softening or have ice crystals.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 5 Nov. 2025
The New Year is quickly approaching, and if that realization hits hard, end-of-year highlights such as Spotify Wrapped may help soften the blow.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for soften
Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2025
To remove these stubborn spots before cleaning, dip a cloth into isopropyl or rubbing alcohol and dab it over the area to soften and remove buildup.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2025
Avoid items that are softening or have ice crystals.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 5 Nov. 2025
The New Year is quickly approaching, and if that realization hits hard, end-of-year highlights such as Spotify Wrapped may help soften the blow.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for soften
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soften
Verb
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With some estimates putting wave heights as much as 35 feet, weakened hatch covers would have been vulnerable to such waves.—
Stephen J. Beard,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
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The years of horrific violence have weakened Sudan, plunging its institutions into chaos and making its population more vulnerable and poorer.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Eileen Fagen, owner of The Fitness Factory of Charlotte, says strength training along with cardio can alleviate some symptoms related to perimenopause.—
Melissa Oyler,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
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The 34-year-old slugger would be a massive offensive upgrade to Casas, while also alleviating his defensive downside by playing first base.—
Shaun McAvoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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To mitigate the impact, Fields said the company is using a mix of price adjustments, supply chain diversification, and international expansion.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
11 Nov. 2025
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As inflation concerns dominated last year’s election, polling showed that mitigating climate change, one of the governor’s signature issues, was not a top issue among voters.—
Lia Russell,
Sacbee.com,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Still, his government maintains some Chinese financial ties, including a standing currency swap with the People’s Bank of China, showing that pragmatism may temper ideology.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
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In surveys, more than half of companies expect to raise deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, or otherwise redesign plans to temper the trend.—
Ashley Lutz,
Fortune,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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This helps create a barrier of warmer air that buffers the foliage against the cold.—
Karl Schneider,
IndyStar,
23 Oct. 2025
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Drinking coffee after breakfast, on the other hand, can help buffer the blood sugar response.—
Stephanie Anderson Witmer,
Health,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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More than 350,000 votes had been already been cast by the time Jones' texts were leaked, cushioning some of the blow.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
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Available in two widths, these faux leather boots have the brand’s signature Soft System cushioned footbed for all-day comfort, plus treaded rubber outsoles for grip.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Soften.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soften. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.
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