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

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

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

Verb

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

The anthem video features Zankov speaking about tactile and nostalgic references, such as leather softened by a long journey and the feeling of cashmere on the skin, that inspired the collection. — David Moin, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

The drinks, developed with Pankaj Balachandran of Countertop, include a whisky highball made with water softened in clay pots over days. — Karina Acharya, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026

While many Democrats have ardently defended transgender rights, particularly in California, others in the party have sided with Republicans or softened their support. — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026

But since then, several conversations have softened the opposition, including from the flight attendants union. — Miami Herald, 10 Oct. 2026

Morton kosher salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, 8–10 minutes. — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Oct. 2026

Scott’s approach to prints was very much present, but softened in a way that felt approachable (even for someone like me who doesn’t typically dabble too much in color or print). — Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026

Opening the show, model Dyanira Hurbuscher walked in a sheer look — a bra hinting at the boning seen in Edwardian-era corsetry, but completely softened and unrestricted (Gabrielle famously rejected the stiff fashion rules of her time). — Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026