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
General Daily Insight for June 16, 2026 Gentle energy softens edges and opens kind choices.
—
Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 16 June 2026
Virgo August 23 – September 22 When heart softens, career surprises feel workable.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 June 2026
The Kérastase Chronologiste Revitalizing Youth Shampoo removes buildup, cleanses the scalp, softens and strengthens strands (meaning less breakage), increases moisture starting at the root, improves follicle health (meaning less shedding), and imparts shine.
—Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 15 June 2026
The leather softens beautifully with each wear, and the slim silhouette styles well with virtually everything—cropped trousers, slip skirts, even relaxed denim.
—Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026
If mixture softens after chilling, re-beat the mixture with an electric mixer or a wire whisk before serving.
—Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2026
The Labor Department’s report Thursday showed that the four-week moving average of jobless claims, which softens some of the weekly volatility, rose by 6,500 to 214,750.
—Matt Ott, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
This softens their structure and creates the perfect environment for mold to grow.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 1 June 2026
Due to its semi-transparency, the facade invites the shifting sky and the green hues of the surrounding forest canopy into the interior, creating an environment that softens the line between inside and out.
—Bridget Borgobello
may 31, New Atlas, 31 May 2026
Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 16 June 2026
Virgo August 23 – September 22 When heart softens, career surprises feel workable.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 June 2026
The Kérastase Chronologiste Revitalizing Youth Shampoo removes buildup, cleanses the scalp, softens and strengthens strands (meaning less breakage), increases moisture starting at the root, improves follicle health (meaning less shedding), and imparts shine.
—Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 15 June 2026
The leather softens beautifully with each wear, and the slim silhouette styles well with virtually everything—cropped trousers, slip skirts, even relaxed denim.
—Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 8 June 2026
If mixture softens after chilling, re-beat the mixture with an electric mixer or a wire whisk before serving.
—Better Homes & Gardens, 6 June 2026
The Labor Department’s report Thursday showed that the four-week moving average of jobless claims, which softens some of the weekly volatility, rose by 6,500 to 214,750.
—Matt Ott, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026
This softens their structure and creates the perfect environment for mold to grow.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 1 June 2026
Due to its semi-transparency, the facade invites the shifting sky and the green hues of the surrounding forest canopy into the interior, creating an environment that softens the line between inside and out.
—Bridget Borgobello
may 31, New Atlas, 31 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for softens
Verb
-
Restricting those channels weakens influence competitors have struggled to match.—
Yinka Adegoke,
semafor.com,
15 June 2026
-
Iran’s government warned that any division at home over the deal weakens its negotiating position, and that those criticizing negotiators are taking aim at a national decision.—
Julia Frankel,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
And without significant sanctions relief that alleviates the suffering of ordinary Iranians and sets the country on a clear path to economic recovery, difficult questions could again arise about the regime’s longstanding policy of defiance against the US.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
-
Seasoned party-planners say that striving to create meaningful interactions instead of for perfection alleviates some of the stress of hosting.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
A little understanding mitigates a lot of risk.—
Troy Holaday,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
-
Rebuilding the salt marshes increases the lagoon’s ability to capture carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas and driver of climate change, and mitigates the effects of rising sea levels.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 May 2026
Verb
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The egg-crate foam promotes airflow and cushions pressure points, and the zip-off cover is machine-washable for quick refreshes.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
25 May 2026
-
Best Outdoor Decor Deals Shop Memorial Day decor deals for every outdoor space, from extra-plush patio chair cushions to a stylish outdoor area rug that’s made with weather-resistant materials and safe to use in the rain.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
Like an Old Testament patriarch whose sins are absorbed in a greater story of redemption, America’s identity as the apostle of liberty relieves it of the excesses of introspection.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 June 2026
-
The deep-tissue technique, using thumbs and knuckles, relieves these pain points.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
This helps create a barrier of warmer air that buffers the foliage against the cold.—
Karl Schneider,
IndyStar,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Steady structure builds trust and eases big feelings today.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
17 June 2026
-
The day eases toward dusk in warm, unhurried tones.—
David Dickstein,
Oc Register,
17 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Softens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/softens. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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