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

Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, 8–10 minutes. — Rick Martinez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026

Cook onion, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden, about 15 minutes. — Martha Stewart, 12 Oct. 2026

The market has rejected CBS’s softened stance towards this administration. — Nilay Patel, The Verge, 5 Oct. 2026

Add scallions and garlic to reserved drippings in skillet; cook over medium-low, stirring constantly, until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes. — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2026

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic, and parsley. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026

Sage Corn Muffins with Ham and Spicy Jelly Slather these quick muffins with softened butter, purchased apple jelly with jalapeño and sage, then top with ham. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 6 Sep. 2026

Even the softened base is fronted by dark gray walls, which are especially noticeable on the museum’s western, neighborhood side. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Problems surged in 2020, after sweeping criminal justice reforms led by Capitol Hill’s Ward 6 Councilman Charles Allen, who spearheaded softened penalties for crimes. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 10 Aug. 2026

Verb

There’s little indication that Miller has softened on immigration whatsoever. — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 11 Nov. 2026

But, despite preferring to load the dishwasher rather than attend the ceremony, his attitude appears to have slightly softened after the band's eventual induction this year. — Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2026

One was marked by a headstone, its inscription softened by decades of moisture and lichen. — Jayme Moye, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Nov. 2026

The first-gen’s hard lines have been softened, as if VW didn’t get the memo that boxy and bold are back in style. — Joel Feder, The Drive, 6 Nov. 2026

Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to brown, 5 to 7 minutes. — ABC News, 4 Nov. 2026

Cook, breaking up sausage even finer if needed and stirring often, until garlic is golden brown and softened, 3–4 minutes. — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Nov. 2026

The wool skirt softened the edginess of her moto jacket, while the leather made that classic fall style feel more modern. — Kaelin Dodge, InStyle, 4 Nov. 2026

Expect deep woods, softened greens and blues, warm whites, and earthy neutrals in 2027. — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 3 Nov. 2026