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

The bread had enough structure to hold the cheese, but softened under the heat of the camembert. — Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 15 July 2026

Nokes said the beef that the store carries is wet-aged for a minimum of 21 days, meaning that the meat is sealed in its own juices, leading to the meat enzymes being broken down and softened on their own. — Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026

The governor this year softened New York's ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gases, citing rising energy costs for consumers. — ABC News, 14 July 2026

In addition, the governor this year softened New York’s ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gases, citing rising energy costs for consumers. — Anthony Izaguirre, Fortune, 14 July 2026

Monolithic gray counters and softened architectural forms are interspersed with furniture and lighting from Yakusha’s Faina collection. — Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 14 July 2026

The governor this year softened New York’s ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gases, citing rising energy costs for consumers. — Anthony Izaguirre, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026

Clashes flared only to be tamped out; repercussions were softened, often comedically, as an outsider crashed the debate. — Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 July 2026