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

Beyond any of the sociocultural flotsam and jetsam, hanging out with your crush on a lake at a northern latitude both softens and distills all the brain-stem-deep associations with what summer means. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026

The Velvet filter softens the overall contrast and wraps the scene in a warmer, vintage-like tone that makes the blues and purples feel richer. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026

Licorice root extract brings soothing and brightening benefits, and a nourishing blend of sunflower, sweet almond, moringa, and rice germ oils, plus shea butter, softens dry skin and seals in moisture. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Aug. 2026

When disease sidelines working-age adults, labor-force participation softens and output per worker falls. — Pooja Kumar, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026

Pattern Play Specs AccordionItemContainerButton Florals feel especially at home on linen, where the natural texture softens even the most intricate patterns. — Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026

Give these time to warm up so the mochi softens and the ice cream isn’t rock hard and you’ll be rewarded with a creamy, chewy, messy treat. — Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026

This formula softens the hair, adds shine, detangles, strengthens, and protects against heat up to 450 degrees. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 13 Aug. 2026

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