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

With straight, barrel, or wide-leg jeans, the style brings a warm and polished note that softens the denim. — Alex Sales, Glamour, 24 July 2026

But the show’s episodic structure actually softens the impact of these blunders. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 23 July 2026

Refreshing ingredients like eucalyptus and hydrating spearmint wake up the skin, while coconut oil softens it. — Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 21 July 2026

Heading west, the terrain softens into the farmland of Skagit Valley, known for its vibrant tulip fields and charming towns like La Conner. — Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026

Kindness toward yourself softens stubborn self-critique and helps confidence return naturally. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026

Thursday’s layoffs data showed that the four-week moving average of jobless claims, which softens some of the week-to-week swings, fell by 3,750 to 218,750. — ABC News, 9 July 2026

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