Synonyms of softens

softens

verb

present tense third-person singular of soften

1

as in weakens

to diminish the physical strength of

three weeks of being sick in bed had noticeably softened her

Synonyms & Similar Words

• weakens
• hurts
• wastes
• exhausts
• injures
• debilitates
• saps
• paralyzes
• enervates
• tires
• enfeebles
• depletes
• damages
• depresses
• prostrates
• impairs
• devitalizes
• cripples
• disables
• incapacitates
• etiolates
• impoverishes
• harms
• hamstrings
• grinds (down)
• lays up
• wears out
• wears down
• washes out
• invalids
• unmans
• breaks down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• strengthens
• fortifies
• energizes
• invigorates
• rejuvenates
• recruits
• hardens
• toughens
• vitalizes
• seasons
• beefs (up)

2

as in alleviates

to lessen the shock of

had tried to soften the blow of her rejection to his marriage proposal

Synonyms & Similar Words

• alleviates
• mitigates
• tempers
• cushions
• relieves
• buffers
• eases
• dulls
• modulates
• deadens
• dampens
• lightens
• moderates
• gentles
• baffles
• allays
• obtunds
• assuages

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• intensifies
• heightens
• sharpens

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of softens

Once that inner conversation softens, connection to others tends to follow. — Jan Gerber, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

The versatile pair will quickly become their everyday staple, with premium Venetian leather that softens and develops character with every wear. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 11 Aug. 2026

Following last Friday's weak jobs report , the market is nervous that a hot inflation report could force the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates even as the labor market softens. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026

As the light dips behind the hills and Chianti’s color palette softens, life beyond the estate starts to feel quite distant. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026

But over time, that moisture starts to break down and the texture softens. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026

According to Haar, the same cell-wall breakdown that softens texture can make certain nutrients easier for the body to absorb. — Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 7 Aug. 2026

Key Takeaways Chia seeds may help relieve constipation because their soluble fiber absorbs water and forms a gel that softens and bulks stool. — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2026

Your 1st House of Identity softens as the nurturing Moon conjoins tender Chiron there, inviting gentle self-care and a kinder inner voice. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026