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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in weakened
to diminish the physical strength of
three weeks of being sick in bed had noticeably softened her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of softened
Mary Claire Britton, Southern Living, 27 Aug. 2025
Adam Solomons, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025
Contemporary forms and sleek materials are softened with touches of warmth, organic textures, and colorful accents for interiors that feel modern but never cold.
—Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025
Users are reporting that ChatGPT has become more cautious and softened in tone, avoiding sharp opinions or controversial statements.
—Avital Pardo, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
To further support strength, the formula layers in a complex of 10 hydrolyzed plant proteins, 17 amino acids, and eight peptides, which work together to repair weak areas and boost elasticity while enveloping your hair in an uplifting citrus blend softened by lavender and geranium.
—Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 1 Sep. 2025
Add shallot and thyme; cook, stirring constantly, until softened, about 1 minute.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2025
The Drowned Lands Brewery Warwick, New York Inside The Drowned Lands’s expansive taproom, the lines between inside and outside feel softened, almost blurred.
—Kate Bernot, Outside, 29 Aug. 2025
There is nothing to suggest yet that Isak’s own position has softened or that he is set to return to training before the window closes on Monday evening UK time.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
Recent performance has softened.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2025
Adjective
Grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish with softened butter.
—Mary Claire Britton, Southern Living, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
The sheer scale of Hosoda’s success may have softened his storytelling instincts, even if the aesthetics are occasionally remarkable.
—Adam Solomons, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025
Contemporary forms and sleek materials are softened with touches of warmth, organic textures, and colorful accents for interiors that feel modern but never cold.
—Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025
Users are reporting that ChatGPT has become more cautious and softened in tone, avoiding sharp opinions or controversial statements.
—Avital Pardo, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
To further support strength, the formula layers in a complex of 10 hydrolyzed plant proteins, 17 amino acids, and eight peptides, which work together to repair weak areas and boost elasticity while enveloping your hair in an uplifting citrus blend softened by lavender and geranium.
—Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 1 Sep. 2025
Add shallot and thyme; cook, stirring constantly, until softened, about 1 minute.
—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2025
The Drowned Lands Brewery Warwick, New York Inside The Drowned Lands’s expansive taproom, the lines between inside and outside feel softened, almost blurred.
—Kate Bernot, Outside, 29 Aug. 2025
There is nothing to suggest yet that Isak’s own position has softened or that he is set to return to training before the window closes on Monday evening UK time.
—Chris Waugh, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
Recent performance has softened.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for softened
Adjective
-
But options for changing that are weak.—
Alan J. Borsuk,
jsonline.com,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Instead, molecules simply bounce around and lose energy, resulting in relatively weak conduction.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The problem is that what gets cut isn’t always cosmetic, and sometimes the very safeguards designed to block harmful outputs, such as hate speech or criminal instructions, are weakened or lost.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Meanwhile, the latest jobs report confirmed that the labor market weakened sharply over the spring and summer and that sectors most affected by tariffs have seen the biggest losses.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The feeble report all but confirms a Fed interest rate cut later this month and raises at least the possibility of a half point – rather than a typical quarter point - reduction, Saunders said.—
Paul Davidson,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
-
The Valkyries have sold out each of their 18 home games this season, 18,064 packing out Chase Center regardless of how mighty or feeble the opposition is.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
31 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Others raised more legitimate concerns about affordability, rising rents and property taxes — concerns that could be alleviated by increasing our housing supply.—
Miguel Chacon,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Aug. 2025
-
The drug also alleviated inflammation and joint damage in a rheumatoid arthritis model.—
Hannah Millington,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Add the onion, bell pepper and garlic to the pan and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until soft.—
Robin Miller,
AZCentral.com,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Bring a portable speaker for soft music but keep the volume low to respect others.—
Emma Caldwell,
USA Today,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Not long ago, these militias’ tendency to bicker was mitigated by the deft orchestration of Soleimani.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
2 Sep. 2025
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Additionally, hurried or reactive infrastructure development may expose the investor to significant foreign asset reporting and tax burdens (NCTI, for example) that could have been mitigated if a multi-disciplinary framework had been considered.—
Priya Prakash Royal Esq. LL.M. MBA AEP TEP,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Jeanette Dalton, who taught emotionally-disabled students at PCES for 35 years, echoed Nusbaum’s sentiment.—
IndyStar,
IndyStar,
3 Sep. 2025
-
These payments apply to low-income and disabled Americans.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This slip-on sneaker comes in over two dozen colorways, is machine washable and features Skechers Memory Foam cushioned comfort insoles.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Sep. 2025
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These Reebok shoes are cushioned enough to absorb impact on family bike rides, long walks, and at the playground with her little one.—
Anja Webb,
Parents,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Softened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/softened. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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