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

This one hit the softened green just right and rolled in for an eagle. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2026

Add half of eggplant and cook, stirring often, until softened and golden brown, 5–7 minutes. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 June 2026

The reason for the temporarily softened stance is that there will be significant changes to transit services and severe street closures to accommodate the massive crowds. — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 23 June 2026

For spring, Kiton’s suits showed lengthened silhouettes and softened proportions. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 June 2026

Just add three-quarters of a stick of softened unsalted butter and one egg to the contents of the box to make the dough. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 22 June 2026

The softened fibers repel lint, hair, and static. — Lauren David, Southern Living, 19 June 2026

At Van Cleef & Arpels, ancient Egyptian silhouettes are realized in softened but no less splendid formats. — Jill Newman, Robb Report, 18 June 2026

In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter. — Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 16 June 2026

Verb

Clashes flared only to be tamped out; repercussions were softened, often comedically, as an outsider crashed the debate. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 July 2026

Add the onion, green pepper, and celery, and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. — ABC News, 9 July 2026

All three, the panel noted, have weakened or dropped earlier pledges to halt development on their own if certain red lines came into view, and in recent years softened their resistance to military uses. — Harry Booth, Time, 7 July 2026

The revenue-sharing model also softened the financial blow of the USWNT’s disappointing 2023 Women’s World Cup, when the team failed to advance beyond the group stage. — Asli Pelit, New York Times, 7 July 2026

The leather had creased across the rounded toes, while the uppers had softened around the shape of her feet. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 6 July 2026

Hinduism is a narrative religion; its mercurial wisdom is lightened and sweetened by stories, softened by ambiguities, sharpened by paradoxes. — Chandrahas Choudhury, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026

Taylor carefully developed a design plan that softened the warm tones while preserving the home's character. — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026

Think sharp crops softened by length, or longer cuts styled with a deliberate edge. — Genesis Rivas, InStyle, 1 July 2026