1
as in weakens
to diminish the physical strength of
three weeks of being sick in bed had noticeably softened her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of softens
Early conversations about money, time, or care may feel stretchy, but clarity softens bumps as the day unfolds.
—
Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
By the end of the month, the mood softens as the sun enters Taurus, bringing the focus back to friendships, collaborations and long-term dreams.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
Upstairs, the atmosphere softens into something more intimate.
—Vicki Power, TheWeek, 31 Mar. 2026
Could this be an attempt to draw in new drinkers with something sweeter and perhaps more palatable to newbies as the whiskey market softens?
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
The rounded toe softens the ensemble, while the high strap frames the leg with a firm delicacy.
—Alex Sales, Glamour, 29 Mar. 2026
This face serum brightens and evens skin tone, fights free radicals, supports collagen production, and softens the look of fine lines and wrinkles for glowing, healthy-looking skin.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
If spending starts to pull back or labor market data softens in April, investors may shift toward safer assets.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
December 22 – January 19 Early tension softens with thoughtful pacing.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 24 Mar. 2026
Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
By the end of the month, the mood softens as the sun enters Taurus, bringing the focus back to friendships, collaborations and long-term dreams.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Apr. 2026
Upstairs, the atmosphere softens into something more intimate.
—Vicki Power, TheWeek, 31 Mar. 2026
Could this be an attempt to draw in new drinkers with something sweeter and perhaps more palatable to newbies as the whiskey market softens?
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
The rounded toe softens the ensemble, while the high strap frames the leg with a firm delicacy.
—Alex Sales, Glamour, 29 Mar. 2026
This face serum brightens and evens skin tone, fights free radicals, supports collagen production, and softens the look of fine lines and wrinkles for glowing, healthy-looking skin.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Mar. 2026
If spending starts to pull back or labor market data softens in April, investors may shift toward safer assets.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
December 22 – January 19 Early tension softens with thoughtful pacing.
—Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 24 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for softens
Verb
-
In the state’s view, that weakens or muddies the legal boundary between the two types of gambling venues.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Justice delayed weakens deterrence.—
Romy Ellenbogen,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Hunter trade alleviates the logjam in the backcourt, clears the way for rookie Nique Clifford to get more playing time and opens a roster spot for the Kings to convert rookie two-way center Dylan Cardwell to a standard NBA contract.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Similarly, having a closed kitchen alleviates some of the pressure of reducing visual clutter.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Yet the crisis arrives at a time when the helium market has been awash in surplus, which mitigates the war’s immediate effect.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
18 Mar. 2026
-
At least the quality of cabin materials—the complex leather stitching, the suppleness of the hide, the tasteful integration of carbon-fiber trim—lends the cabin a feeling of specialness that mitigates some of the tech frustrations.—
Basem Wasef,
Robb Report,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Stash cushions indoors or in a waterproof deck box to help prevent mold, stains, and fading.—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Its dense, ointment-like texture melts on contact, forming a protective seal that cushions fragile skin while locking in moisture.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Rhoades said that the process relieves stress for the pregnant mother.—
Matthew Geiger,
Denver Post,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Alex Yearwood relieves Canalichio.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
This helps create a barrier of warmer air that buffers the foliage against the cold.—
Karl Schneider,
IndyStar,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Before heading to the bathroom to begin her morning skin-care routine, Rose Ingleton eases into the day in her sunlit Brooklyn brownstone.—
Kaleigh Fasanella,
Allure,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Mallard even eases Vance into heaven, which lights up ethereally behind the door of what is normally the NCIS director's adjoining assistant's office.—
Haadiza Ogwude,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Softens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/softens. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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