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

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

Start by cooking bell pepper, onion, and garlic until softened and sweet. — Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026

Energy company Equinor doubts the bloc will hit even its softened 80% winter target. — semafor.com, 31 July 2026

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

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

Verb

Looking ahead at the next six months, the industry’s expectations have softened only slightly. — Cleo Levin, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2026

Cover and cook 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until green beans are softened and tomatoes have broken down. — Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2026

Revenue from licensing of shows and films to streaming platforms has softened amid a general industry downturn over the past few years, while other categories of residuals have continued their longer downward trend. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026

In 2021, Sebastian Perez, an undocumented farmworker from Guatemala, died after working outdoors during Oregon’s record-breaking heat wave when temperatures soared to 107°F and the asphalt softened beneath workers' feet. — Kathy Baughman McLeod, Time, 4 Aug. 2026

But his management, his friends and the passage of time softened him up. — Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 2 Aug. 2026

But since those secondary-market prices have recently softened, Jack Rose recently lowered the prices of these legendary drams. — Don Tse, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

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

That, however, is softened by plums and blueberries, with a dash of honeysuckle and jasmine. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 July 2026