SOFTENED Synonyms: 139 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

softened

2 of 2

verb

past tense of soften

as in weakened

to diminish the physical strength of three weeks of being sick in bed had noticeably softened her

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in tempered

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

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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 softened

Adjective

Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, 8–10 minutes. — Rick Martinez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026 Cook onion, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, about 15 minutes. — Martha Stewart, 12 Oct. 2026 The market has rejected CBS’s softened stance towards this administration. — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 5 Oct. 2026 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

Verb

Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and starting to turn translucent, about 5 minutes. — Emma Laperruque, Bon Appetit Magazine, 2 Nov. 2026 Against the masculine lines of her pinstripe tailoring, that deliberately softened mouth offers necessary contrast. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026 Starbucks reported lower than expected revenue in its fiscal fourth quarter as international traffic softened. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026 Spread in one layer, then roast until the peppers have softened, about 15 minutes. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 26 Oct. 2026 My jawline was tauter, my cheeks were plumper, those pesky wrinkles and fine lines were softened, and my skin had a vibrant, healthy glow. — Cathy Nelson, InStyle, 24 Oct. 2026 Some of the most prominent voices warning about AI job losses have softened their tone. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026 That’s because the market has softened to midsingle-digit growth, plus there were major inventory issues for makeup and commercial issues for L’Oréal. — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026 Lead times for the iPhone 18 Pro have softened in several markets compared with the prior cycle, while the more expensive Pro Max has held up better, according to JPMorgan's tracking. — Mackenzie Sigalos,kif Leswing, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for softened

Adjective

Trump was implying Ukraine was in a weak negotiating position and did not have the military resources to fight against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

— Tom Jurkowsky, Baltimore Sun, 2 Nov. 2026
And some players are turning on the season as seen by them letting the Jaguars tear through weak tackle attempts to the tune of 183 rushing yards and three passing TDs by Trevor Lawrence.

— Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of weak

Verb

After the Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act, Alabama Republicans redrew Shomari Figures’ district, cutting its Black voting-age population from 48% to 40%.

— Kim Chandler, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026
Eisenkot's allies could also try to reverse legislation advanced by Netanyahu's government that critics say weakened Israel's democratic institutions and judicial independence.

— Itay Stern, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of weakened

Verb

But some gut motility issues can be alleviated with proper hydration.

— Amber Raiken, Verywell Health, 2 Nov. 2026
Around the same time, fears of a smaller Chinese crop brought about by an exceptionally hot summer in Xinjiang were alleviated by stronger-than-expected yields.

— SJ Guest Editorial, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of alleviated

Adjective

As Claudia, Curtis is perfectly biting and obnoxious, willing to insert herself into her ex-husband’s life for sport, stomping on his feeble boundaries.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
In 1937, Foyles started the Right Book Club, a rather feeble counterweight to Victor Gollancz’s Left Book Club.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of feeble

Verb

Part of this concern can be mitigated with open and regular communication with your prescriber.

— Natalia Johnsen, EverydayHealth.com, 27 Oct. 2026
The fear of effeminization has never felt so acute, which presumably is why Matt Damon’s Odysseus needed bulging muscles, to ensure his sensitivity was mitigated by pecs of steel.

— Jay Weissberg, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of mitigated

Adjective

The Dolce Vita bob runs longer with soft, flowing layers, which sets it apart from the shorter, tighter shapes most associated with vintage glamour.

— Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2026
The hybrid shoe looks like a pretty suede flat but is lined by ultra soft fluff that gives it a cozy slipper feel.

— Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of soft

Verb

Thanks to the coffered and baffled wood ceilings, noise levels are buffered and kept to a pleasant rumble.

— Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026
CFOs and operators should recognize that redemption pressure from 401(k) vehicles is structurally buffered at the fund level and is unlikely to translate into direct liquidity demands at the PortCo level.

— Nate Heeren, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of buffered

Adjective

For example, Levin said Meta never acknowledged that at least one No Kings creator’s account was also suspended on the day the No Kings account was disabled.

— Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 3 Nov. 2026
Senior citizens and disabled tenants say losing parking threatens their independence and may end up displacing the city’s most vulnerable residents.

— Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of disabled

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soften

softened

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“Softened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/softened. Accessed 5 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of softened

adjective

verb

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