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

The natural impulse when revenue softens is to reduce the experience to protect the margin. — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 8 July 2026

The probiotic lotion with hyaluronic acid refines, softens, smooths and hydrates skin. — ABC News, 6 July 2026

The formula smooths wrinkles, reduces laugh lines, softens dry patches, and perks up the eye area to deliver plumper, firmer skin. — Grace Scollo, InStyle, 4 July 2026

Autumn softens the vistas along the Ring of Kerry and brings a quieter pace to the historic villages. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

After all, the grass is the bright green coat that softens the earth under our picnic blankets, feeds bunnies and birds, and gives our knees the happiest stains around. — Holly Lebowitz Rossi, Parents, 2 July 2026

In a heartbreaking moment, Paula asks why Trevor chose her, and Ashley softens a bit. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 1 July 2026

Cocoa butter softens and migrates toward the surface, resulting in fat bloom—the chalky, grayish-white film that appears on chocolate that has been temperature-stressed. — Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 1 July 2026

If mixture softens after chilling, re-beat the mixture with an electric mixer or a wire whisk before serving. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2026