as in emollient
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in mellowing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in weakening
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 alleviating
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 softening
Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 24 Dec. 2024
Another indicator of a softening economy is Industrial Production.
—Robert Barone, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Its intensely moisturizing formula features amino acids that make up the protein keratin (which is key for maintaining your hair’s structure and strength) and hair-softening plant extracts.
—Sara Coughlin, SELF, 23 Dec. 2024
These are made with sunflower seed oil, avocado oil, and Vitamin E, smoothing and softening even the roughest skin.
—Veronica Booth, Rolling Stone, 20 Dec. 2024
Valuing Quality Hires The tech industry is shifting from volume hiring to quality hiring, as companies prioritize the impact of each new employee in a softening labor market.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
The company blamed worsened consumer sentiment in China for driving further softening in overall prestige beauty in mainland China and low conversion rates in Asia travel retail and Hong Kong.
—Kathryn Hopkins, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024
The spray-on scent has a skin-softening base of sweet almond, macadamia, argan, and apricot kernel oils.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024
Avoid items that show signs of changes in food texture, such as softening or ice crystals.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
An iron deficiency may lead to nail changes such as softening and weakness.
—Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 24 Dec. 2024
Another indicator of a softening economy is Industrial Production.
—Robert Barone, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Its intensely moisturizing formula features amino acids that make up the protein keratin (which is key for maintaining your hair’s structure and strength) and hair-softening plant extracts.
—Sara Coughlin, SELF, 23 Dec. 2024
These are made with sunflower seed oil, avocado oil, and Vitamin E, smoothing and softening even the roughest skin.
—Veronica Booth, Rolling Stone, 20 Dec. 2024
Valuing Quality Hires The tech industry is shifting from volume hiring to quality hiring, as companies prioritize the impact of each new employee in a softening labor market.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
The company blamed worsened consumer sentiment in China for driving further softening in overall prestige beauty in mainland China and low conversion rates in Asia travel retail and Hong Kong.
—Kathryn Hopkins, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024
The spray-on scent has a skin-softening base of sweet almond, macadamia, argan, and apricot kernel oils.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024
Avoid items that show signs of changes in food texture, such as softening or ice crystals.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 10 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for softening
Adjective
-
The British government will see a deal it as a vindication of Starmer’s emollient approach to Trump, which has avoided direct confrontation or criticism.—
Zeke Miller,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2025
-
The British government will see a deal as a vindication of Starmer’s emollient approach to Trump, which has avoided direct confrontation or criticism.—
Jill Lawless,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2025
Verb
-
Moffett also said artificial intelligence isn’t driving an upgrade cycle as hoped, noting that there is weakening demand in China along with antitrust concerns.—
Jason Gewirtz,
CNBC,
8 Jan. 2025
-
With high expectations for future new orders along with expanding current new orders, the outlooks for material handling and supply chain industries are positive, despite some weakening in the December MHI BAI report.—
Jason Schenker,
Forbes,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Despite climbing home prices, mortgage rates have recently reported weeks of declines and inventory is growing in many parts of the country, alleviating the shortage of homes and forcing sellers to slash prices to attract still-cautious buyers.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
-
But aside from a desire for revenge against Israel and remaining the primary power broker in Gaza, Hamas has consistently struggled to articulate an achievable long-term strategy for alleviating the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.—
Mkhaimar Abusada,
The Conversation,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
This section wipes out the existing film and photography permit requirements in national parks and replaces them with significantly more lenient rules.—
Sam MacIlwaine,
Outside Online,
11 May 2025
-
Camargo acknowledged that lenient sentences have encouraged armed groups to recruit minors to commit crimes.—
Manuel Rueda,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2025
Noun
-
At one point, Adeline plucked a tiny flowering weed and tried to hand it to Eleanor, a 3-year-old girl.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 June 2025
-
Do this throughout the spring flowering season, as additional flowers may form after your first session. 4.—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 June 2025
Adjective
-
If 10 percent of people are going to be cruel no matter what and 10 percent will be merciful no matter what, then the greatest battle of our lives, the real one, is not good versus evil.—
Stephanie Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
23 May 2025
-
The Celtics met a merciful end at Madison Square Garden last night, 119-81, and now have a lot to figure out: Tatum will miss a consequential period in his career.—
Sam Settleman,
New York Times,
17 May 2025
Noun
-
The 1925 Scopes Trial, for example, was associated with a chilling effect on library holdings related to evolution.—
Jessica George,
JSTOR Daily,
25 June 2025
-
The tech giants’ interest underscores the fierce competition for AI talent in what some believe will be the next major evolution of the internet.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
24 June 2025
Verb
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Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in mitigating the risk of wildfires during these perilous conditions.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
14 Mar. 2025
-
This evolution calls for estate planners to adopt a broader, strategic approach, focusing on mitigating risks while seizing opportunities.—
Matthew F. Erskine,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Softening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/softening. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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