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

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

Grease the inside of a 12-cup regular muffin tray with softened butter or cooking spray. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 20 July 2026

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

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

Verb

But as a candidate for governor, Hong had softened her tone while not disavowing her past statements. — ABC News, 31 July 2026

In recent years, critical attitudes towards Terrordome, which was Onwurah’s debut, have softened, with institutions programming the title as part of retrospectives and championing it as a seminal example of afrofuritist filmmaking. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 July 2026

Sauté the onions until softened, then add garlic and green peppers. — Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 July 2026

Akara turns black-eyed peas into a crisp fritter softened by onion and tomato. — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

Those flavors are softened by some very classic notes of pecan pie, ripe plum, vanilla, coffee ice cream, and honey on the palate. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 26 July 2026

Both Siard and Briceno say that a pencil that feels a little too sharp can be softened a bit on the back of your hand. — Marci Robin, Allure, 24 July 2026

Microwave 1 pint coffee ice cream on high in 10-second bursts until softened, 20–30 seconds. — Matt Lewis, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 July 2026

In recent months, with his cancer diagnosis now public, his attitude had softened and the prospect of him coming back to the stadium was dangling. — George Caulkin, New York Times, 21 July 2026