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

Funk assures that the softened, decomposing cardboard will allow plants to grow through. — Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 10 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

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

Verb

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

While the Phillies’ winning has softened the criticism surrounding the decision, the owner’s comments illustrate that replacing Thomson was never viewed as an easy or enjoyable choice — even if the results on the field have since justified the move. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Cook, stirring occasionally, until eggplant is softened and golden brown, 6–8 minutes. — Kendra Vaculin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 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

Add onion, bell pepper, poblano, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6 minutes. — Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 18 July 2026

The stiffness of the denim is softened by the leather to create a look that signals luxury and calm. — Alex Sales, Glamour, 17 July 2026

But Klaveness’s language has softened since the run-up to Qatar. — Tom Kludt, Vanity Fair, 17 July 2026

Both gauges benefited from slumping oil prices, though costs in several other key categories, most notably housing, also softened. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 16 July 2026