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 thin, buildable formula is an especially good fit for anyone who wants to even out discoloration and soften the look of pores without concealing their skin beneath a heavy layer of makeup. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026 It’s built with a ton of cushioning to soften impact from running or walking. — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2026 Add 1 onion, coarsely chopped, and 1 medium jalapeño, coarsely chopped; cook, stirring often, until slightly softened, 3–4 minutes. — Kendra Vaculin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Sep. 2026 Images that do not soften themselves in order to be received. — Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 4 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
  • Dairy cows are producing less milk and birthing fewer or weakened calves.
    — Vivian Song, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Though Hurricane Marie continues to weaken in the southern Pacific Ocean — and is expected to remain hundreds of miles off the Southern California coastline — the region can still expect to feel some effects from the storm over the next few days.
    — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of weaken
Verb
  • Safety and crowding concerns will continue to plague the uptown jail when Jail North reopens to alleviate conditions, Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden warned late Friday.
    — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Major studies show that meditation can alleviate anxiety and depression—at least about as well as the antidepressant Lexapro can, but without the cost and with fewer side effects.
    — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of alleviate
Verb
  • This practice allows firms to mitigate the effects of sanctions on supply chains and helps shore balance sheets in a high-inflation environment in which cash loses its value but goods do not.
    — Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, Foreign Affairs, 8 Sep. 2026
  • But not all regions saw a decrease, as late August rains helped mitigate drought conditions.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of mitigate
Verb
  • The end product remains inconsistent, with four goals and three assists in the Bundesliga last season, and the Norwegian perhaps needs to temper his instinct to drive forward at every opportunity.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • And while many Californians will follow Marie over the coming week, temper your expectations about this storm’s capabilities.
    — Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of temper
Verb
  • Today, its mangroves buffer Odisha’s vulnerable coastline against frequent cyclones and provide breeding grounds for fish, prawns, and crabs that sustain thousands of fisher families.
    — Kalpana Sunder, Christian Science Monitor, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The developers have sought an exception to rules around how much parking can front a nearby boulevard, and will be expected to provide extra landscaping and screening to buffer the parking from nearby properties.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of buffer
Verb
  • Cheng Xin | Getty Images China's consumer and wholesale inflation rebounded in August, as higher global commodity costs and surging high-tech demand cushioned persistently tepid domestic consumption.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Wall Street’s own economists find that the households most exposed to AI’s risks are also the ones cushioned by stock portfolios large enough to absorb them.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of cushion

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soften
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Cite this Entry

“Soften.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soften. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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