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

Your 1st House of Identity softens as the nurturing Moon conjoins tender Chiron there, inviting gentle self-care and a kinder inner voice. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026

Soak the Pit Place the seed in room-temperature water for 24 to 48 hours, as this softens the outer shell and signals the embryo to wake up. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026

The oak’s honeyed tone keeps the space from reading too cool, and softens architectural elements like the steel range hood, while the blue-green cabinets give the space a subtle lift. — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

The Labor Department's report Thursday also showed that the four-week moving average of weekly jobless claims, which softens some of the weekly volatility, fell by 5,000 to 202,750. — ABC News, 30 July 2026

Salt suppresses bitterness while sweetness softens the sour edges. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026

The Labor Department’s report Thursday also showed that the four-week moving average of weekly jobless claims, which softens some of the weekly volatility, fell by 5,000 to 202,750. — Matt Ott, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

Asparagus Cooking asparagus softens it and breaks down its cell walls, which releases antioxidants like chlorogenic acid. — Lindsey Desoto, Health, 29 July 2026

Chasing full-sized equity positions at peak multiples while the broader tape softens creates an uncomfortable risk/reward entry. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 29 July 2026