Synonyms of softened

softened 1 of 2

adjective

as in weak

lacking bodily strength

the athlete, softened by the long period of convalescence, had to begin his training program almost from scratch

Synonyms & Similar Words

• weak
• weakened
• feeble
• soft
• disabled
• frail
• faint
• slight
• enfeebled
• paralyzed
• debilitated
• wasted
• languid
• tired
• tender
• exhausted
• delicate
• low
• wimpy
• sapped
• infirm
• vulnerable
• injured
• prostrate
• incapacitated
• unsubstantial
• enervated
• asthenic
• effete
• fragile
• wimpish
• prostrated
• down-and-out
• drained
• weary
• hurt
• damaged
• invalid
• powerless
• susceptible
• unsteady
• impaired
• impotent
• decrepit
• rocky
• breakable
• flimsy
• dizzy
• woozy
• groggy
• yielding
• flagging
• broken-down
• harmed
• resistless
• unsound
• unresistant
• worn-out

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• strong
• powerful
• mighty
• rugged
• stout
• hardened
• tough
• fit
• stalwart
• hard
• muscular
• strengthened
• robust
• athletic
• sturdy
• virile
• sinewy
• beefy
• husky
• brawny
• hardy
• fortified
• able-bodied
• lusty
• vigorous
• sound
• energetic
• healthy
• capable
• toughened
• energized
• strapping
• competent
• inured
• invigorated
• vitalized
• hale
• recovering
• red-blooded
• recuperating
• convalescing

softened

2 of 2

verb

past tense of soften

1

as in weakened

to diminish the physical strength of

three weeks of being sick in bed had noticeably softened her

Synonyms & Similar Words

• weakened
• tired
• exhausted
• wasted
• hurt
• sapped
• injured
• damaged
• enfeebled
• debilitated
• paralyzed
• etiolated
• crippled
• depleted
• enervated
• impaired
• devitalized
• prostrated
• depressed
• disabled
• harmed
• incapacitated
• impoverished
• laid up
• hamstrung
• washed out
• ground (down)
• invalided
• wore down
• wore out
• broke down
• unmanned

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• strengthened
• fortified
• recruited
• energized
• hardened
• beefed (up)
• invigorated
• rejuvenated
• vitalized
• seasoned
• toughened

2

as in tempered

to lessen the shock of

had tried to soften the blow of her rejection to his marriage proposal

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tempered
• alleviated
• mitigated
• buffered
• cushioned
• eased
• gentled
• relieved
• dulled
• modulated
• dampened
• baffled
• moderated
• lightened
• deadened
• allayed
• obtunded
• assuaged

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• intensified
• heightened
• sharpened

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of softened

Adjective

Add scallions and garlic to reserved drippings in skillet; cook over medium-low, stirring constantly, until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic, and parsley. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026

Sage Corn Muffins with Ham and Spicy Jelly Slather these quick muffins with softened butter, purchased apple jelly with jalapeño and sage, then top with ham. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 6 Sep. 2026

Even the softened base is fronted by dark gray walls, which are especially noticeable on the museum’s western, neighborhood side. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Problems surged in 2020, after sweeping criminal justice reforms led by Capitol Hill’s Ward 6 Councilman Charles Allen, who spearheaded softened penalties for crimes. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 10 Aug. 2026

In separate large bowl of electric mixer beat together softened butter (1 stick) and 3/4 cup sugar at medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. — Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 3 Aug. 2026

Energy company Equinor doubts the bloc will hit even its softened 80% winter target. — semafor.com, 31 July 2026

Stir in the eggplant and cook for 6-8 minutes, until softened and lightly browned. — Laura McLively, Mercury News, 23 July 2026

Verb

The Dolphins spent the week practicing for Sunday in Napa and played much of the second half as if hungover -- until the late 77-yard touchdown pass-play from Malik Willis to Ryan Miller softened the blow of the final score a bit. — Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026

In China, public sentiment about AI is less openly hostile and some of its major benefits in areas such as healthcare have softened people’s attitudes. — Rana Mitter, The Conversation, 21 Sep. 2026

Add remaining 2 large onions, thinly sliced, and remaining 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced; cook, stirring, until softened, about 2 minutes. — Catherine Yoo, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Sep. 2026

Add apple slices, and cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are softened and sugar mixture is syrupy, 10 to 12 minutes. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2026

Slim retro trainers and terrace shoes brought them closer to everyday fashion; ballet sneakers softened the silhouettes. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Sep. 2026

Broil, flipping once, until browned and softened, 6 to 8 minutes per side. — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 14 Sep. 2026

More recently, that drop had been softened by refugee and newcomer families settling in the community. — Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 14 Sep. 2026

My beard is softened in the test footage, but the controls of my capture software are visible in the reflection in my glasses. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 13 Sep. 2026