SOFTENS Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

softens

verb

present tense third-person singular of soften

as in weakens

to diminish the physical strength of three weeks of being sick in bed had noticeably softened her

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in alleviates

to lessen the shock of had tried to soften the blow of her rejection to his marriage proposal

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of softens This unit has plenty of opportunities to gel by November, when the schedule softens a bit before a potential playoff push. — Zak Keefer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 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. — ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026 Trump softens when taking on the role of tour guide for his projects. — Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 4 Sep. 2026 As Troy, his signature wide-eyed, guileless delivery of sarcasm is a first line of defense that softens as his understanding of the Russian people, including his companion, grows. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 Jasmine softens the scent, while moss and musk give it depth. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026 Talanx German insurer Talanx 's lean cost base and 6 billion euros of resilience reserves can help sustain earnings growth, even as pricing softens in its reinsurance and corporate-specialty units, according to Goldman. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026 Specs There are multiple textures at play in House of Leon’s Milan daybed, where tactile bouclé softens the look of a sleek stainless steel. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026 The seemingly minor decision softens what otherwise might have been a severe expanse of metal. — Kathryn O’Shea-Evans, Robb Report, 30 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for softens

Verb

Even if Korea can maintain 2% economic growth over the next two decades, consumption growth gradually weakens and eventually turns negative, according to Goldman’s long-term modeling.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026
As that frozen ground warms and ice inside thaws, the cement weakens, and slopes that stood for thousands of years can lose their grip.

— Umesh Haritashya, The Conversation, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of weakens

Verb

Morgan Stanley’s Joseph Moore said the arrangement alleviates concerns about circular financing because third-party investors would provide most of the capital, while Nvidia would participate only to a limited extent.

— Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026
Adding Skubal alleviates some of the weight of that decision.

— Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of alleviates

Verb

Designed as a water-free alternative to costly water-spraying setups, this technology mitigates high track temperatures caused by extreme heat waves, reducing deformation risks and speed delays.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 2 Sep. 2026
Diversifying sourcing across a wider geography mitigates threats from climate change and public health crises, not only geopolitical risk.

— Chad P. Bown, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of mitigates

Verb

While the sole is much thinner than many of the other options on our list, it’s made out of plush memory foam that cushions the foot with every step.

— Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 30 July 2026
The glossy oil-gel formula cushions lips with squalane, passion fruit seed oil, and sodium hyaluronate for juicy hydration, while a hint of peppermint and menthol delivers a subtle cooling sensation that makes lips feel instantly refreshed.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 July 2026

Definition of cushions

Verb

Whether magnesium spray actually works, and whether magnesium of any kind reliably relieves leg cramps, matters for anyone paying attention to the trend right now.

— Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026
Russia’s closer relationship with North Korea relieves some of China’s obligation to deliver economic aid and security guarantees to its northeastern neighbor.

— ZHENG JIYONG, Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of relieves

Verb

But for one weekend later in the summer, that feeling of loss eases for this group.

— Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
But even a partial display of fall foliage is quite breathtaking here, and arriving before the busiest foliage weekends also eases competition for popular trailheads and scenic overlooks.

— Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of eases

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softening

softens

softhead

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“Softens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/softens. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of softens

verb

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