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 Moon softens Jupiter’s push, helping your message come through with clarity and ease.
—
Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
The original design featured a straight-across neckline, which Jaden chose to soften into a sweetheart to complement her petite frame.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
There is no way to soften the blow.
—Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
In the primary suite, the mood softens slightly.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for soften
Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
The original design featured a straight-across neckline, which Jaden chose to soften into a sweetheart to complement her petite frame.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
There is no way to soften the blow.
—Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
In the primary suite, the mood softens slightly.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for soften
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soften
Verb
-
The deeper the rifts between the United States and Europe over Iran, the greater the chances of weakening the NATO alliance.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2026
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During his appearances on Capitol Hill this month, Secretary Kennendy was grilled about the administration's defense of the pesticide industry and weakening of protections against mercury pollution, another issue that Kennedy had worked on as an advocate.—
Will Stone,
NPR,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Scientists have been zapping brains to alleviate depression for decades through a method called transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS.—
O. Rose Broderick,
STAT,
27 Apr. 2026
-
In 2024, Overland Park approved a $1 million project to improve its storm sewer systems between Antioch and Switzer Roads near Indian Creek to alleviate flooding.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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To mitigate that, Sheinbaum’s government subsidizes the price of both fuels, but the move could affect other areas of Mexicans’ lives.—
Anabella González,
CNN Money,
2 May 2026
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Adjustable criss-cross straps add an extra layer of ankle support and mitigate slipping and sliding that can cause blisters.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
Still, her spokeswoman was quick to temper the excitement, telling the paper that Sánchez was not having a baby.—
Blanche Marcel,
Vanity Fair,
13 Apr. 2026
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Because of her ability to calm and temper her emotions, she is connected with Aries, as the ferocious sign can resort to unruly means to prove its point and provoke conflict.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Consumers’ coffers have been buffered by larger tax refunds, wage gains (although slowing), and wealth boosts (particularly for upper-income consumers).—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
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Leaders broadly agreed that the shale revolution has buffered American consumers from the worst of the current energy shock in ways Europe, Asia, and Africa cannot match.—
Rachel Keidan,
semafor.com,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Thankfully, these kitchen mats offer ample support without compromising on style, as they’re made from dense memory foam that cushions your feet while reducing pressure on your back and joints.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
5 May 2026
-
Brighton’s goal began from Baleba cushioning a pass to Gross from near the halfway line from a Pope kick.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
4 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Soften.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soften. Accessed 10 May. 2026.
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