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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of softened
Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 16 June 2026
Yet the softened recommendations for both shots that the administration and Kennedy’s ACIP pushed through since last spring are among the decisions that prompted the recent lawsuit.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 7 June 2026
This unique pie is made from a giant sugar cookie topped with softened cream cheese and a beautiful array of fresh fruits.
—Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2026
An excessive need for approval leads to softened feedback, inconsistent standards, and avoided difficult conversations, eroding accountability.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Top with the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting made with softened butter, cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 18 May 2026
Once shimmering, add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and slightly translucent, 3 to 4 minutes.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2026
Due to their softened texture, the bones are generally safe, but there are exceptions.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 21 Apr. 2026
The ground beef was chopped fine on the grill and folded together with sweet, softened onions and perfectly melted American cheese, all tucked into a soft roll with crisp lettuce and tomato for balance.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026
Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 18 June 2026
However, following the Investment Research Review in 2023 by Rachel Kent, a partner at the law firm Hogan Lovells, the Financial Conduct Authority has softened the rules — allowing asset managers to bundle some payments for research and trade execution once more.
—Ian King, CNBC, 17 June 2026
Crisp and refreshing, the drink’s grapefruit bitterness was softened by carbonation, giving Mexico’s national cocktail a lively upgrade.
—Sari Kamin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 June 2026
Add the shallots, hot pepper, cumin, turmeric, and paprika and cook until the shallots have softened slightly, about 2 minutes.
—ABC News, 15 June 2026
Post use, skin looks and feels more plump and less inflamed, with redness virtually gone and fine lines softened.
—Eva Thomas, InStyle, 14 June 2026
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a bowl with a hand mixer nearby), cream together softened butter and sugar.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 June 2026
Add onion, and let stand until slightly softened, 3 to 5 minutes; drain and set aside.
—Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 13 June 2026
But after discussions with business owners, Lucas softened his stance.
—Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026
Adjective
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter.
—Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 16 June 2026
Yet the softened recommendations for both shots that the administration and Kennedy’s ACIP pushed through since last spring are among the decisions that prompted the recent lawsuit.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 7 June 2026
This unique pie is made from a giant sugar cookie topped with softened cream cheese and a beautiful array of fresh fruits.
—Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2026
An excessive need for approval leads to softened feedback, inconsistent standards, and avoided difficult conversations, eroding accountability.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Top with the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting made with softened butter, cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 18 May 2026
Once shimmering, add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and slightly translucent, 3 to 4 minutes.
—Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 May 2026
Due to their softened texture, the bones are generally safe, but there are exceptions.
—Sherri Gordon, Health, 21 Apr. 2026
The ground beef was chopped fine on the grill and folded together with sweet, softened onions and perfectly melted American cheese, all tucked into a soft roll with crisp lettuce and tomato for balance.
—Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
Fire up the grill, toast the buns and lean into indulgence with meaty beef patties layered beneath smoky bacon, oozing cheese and sweet onions softened to a slippery tangle.
—Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 18 June 2026
However, following the Investment Research Review in 2023 by Rachel Kent, a partner at the law firm Hogan Lovells, the Financial Conduct Authority has softened the rules — allowing asset managers to bundle some payments for research and trade execution once more.
—Ian King, CNBC, 17 June 2026
Crisp and refreshing, the drink’s grapefruit bitterness was softened by carbonation, giving Mexico’s national cocktail a lively upgrade.
—Sari Kamin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 June 2026
Add the shallots, hot pepper, cumin, turmeric, and paprika and cook until the shallots have softened slightly, about 2 minutes.
—ABC News, 15 June 2026
Post use, skin looks and feels more plump and less inflamed, with redness virtually gone and fine lines softened.
—Eva Thomas, InStyle, 14 June 2026
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a bowl with a hand mixer nearby), cream together softened butter and sugar.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 June 2026
Add onion, and let stand until slightly softened, 3 to 5 minutes; drain and set aside.
—Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 13 June 2026
But after discussions with business owners, Lucas softened his stance.
—Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for softened
Adjective
-
But lingering high ticket prices combined with weaker teams might mean sparse attendance.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
19 June 2026
-
Tokyo wants to appear to be fighting a weak yen, while welcoming it in private.—
William Pesek,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
At the same time, his ability in recent months to command functioning majorities in the Senate and House of Representatives has weakened considerably.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
-
The study finds that auto-renewal generated higher revenue in the medium term, but the advantage weakened as the subscriber count and engagement picture deteriorated.—
HEC Paris Insights,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
Here’s what’s happening with whey protein and when strained supplies might be alleviated.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
-
Wayfair alleviated some of the overwhelm by sharing its best-sellers list, teeming with popular pieces loved by shoppers.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
4 June 2026
Adjective
-
Jolted by a feeble office market, a growing number of developers are considering ways to convert their office properties to other uses, such as housing projects.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
17 June 2026
-
Enervated cuteness and tryhard sincerity define a whole new wave of musicians, from Pittsburgh rockers feeble little horse to cringe-pop upcycler Worldpeace DMT to SoundCloud producer MASSI, whose songs spill with the tiny adorable detail of a toy train set.—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
While a yellow placard signals two or more major violations, these are typically corrected or mitigated during the inspection, according to the Sacramento County Retail Food Inspection Guide.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado
June 12,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2026
-
Simple human error always posed some risk, but as science advanced those small risks were ever more mitigated.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
But so do bursts of color, softer fabrics and strange patterns.—
Precious Fondren,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
-
Puff sleeves, a scalloped hem, lace trim, and eyelet detailing give this top a soft, feminine edge.—
Jill Layton,
PEOPLE,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
Helsinki is buffered by more than 300 islands, and its harbor is always busy.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
10 June 2026
-
Commitment to the greater good buffered the AI aversion.—
Melissa A. Wheeler,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
The department’s special education office ensures states comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which guarantees access to education for disabled students.—
Alia Wong,
Los Angeles Times,
17 June 2026
-
For example, states are weighing cuts to in-home care, a change that could mean the difference between a disabled child being able to live with their parents or being forced to move to a residential care facility.—
Lisa Jarvis,
Mercury News,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Softened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/softened. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
