1
as in weakens
to diminish the physical strength of
three weeks of being sick in bed had noticeably softened her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of softens
There’s an adjustment period — percale can feel crisp at first — but most people acclimate within a week or two and find cotton softens further with every wash, rather than pilling or degrading like synthetics.
—
Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026
Many types of seeds benefit from soaking in room temperature water before planting, which softens the outer covering and allows the seed germ to break through easier.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 20 Apr. 2026
The cotton construction softens over time and is easy to style thanks to its neutral palette.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2026
There’s nostalgia in effect for those playing the game now who grew up watching that era, or for those in coaching or executive roles who were players then, which softens a bit the frustration of the format.
—Dave Campbell, Twin Cities, 16 Apr. 2026
Over time, the suede softens while still holding its shape, giving the shoe a long lifespan with minimal upkeep.
—Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2026
According to Charles Schwab, nearly 40% of individuals with $1 million-plus investible assets say travel will be their luxury spend, even as spending on traditional luxury goods softens.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 15 Apr. 2026
After chopping, let the tomatoes sit with the garlic and vinegar for at least 30 minutes, until everything softens.
—Claire Saffitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026
Concrete and glass meet at sharp angles, while a curved courtyard wall softens the harshness.
—New Atlas, 13 Apr. 2026
Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026
Many types of seeds benefit from soaking in room temperature water before planting, which softens the outer covering and allows the seed germ to break through easier.
—Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 20 Apr. 2026
The cotton construction softens over time and is easy to style thanks to its neutral palette.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2026
There’s nostalgia in effect for those playing the game now who grew up watching that era, or for those in coaching or executive roles who were players then, which softens a bit the frustration of the format.
—Dave Campbell, Twin Cities, 16 Apr. 2026
Over time, the suede softens while still holding its shape, giving the shoe a long lifespan with minimal upkeep.
—Paris Wilson, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2026
According to Charles Schwab, nearly 40% of individuals with $1 million-plus investible assets say travel will be their luxury spend, even as spending on traditional luxury goods softens.
—Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 15 Apr. 2026
After chopping, let the tomatoes sit with the garlic and vinegar for at least 30 minutes, until everything softens.
—Claire Saffitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026
Concrete and glass meet at sharp angles, while a curved courtyard wall softens the harshness.
—New Atlas, 13 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for softens
Verb
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The exit of thousands of DOJ lawyers weakens law enforcement for many years to come, former DOJ lawyers told USA TODAY.—
Aysha Bagchi,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Abbott contends the policy weakens statewide coordination with federal authorities.—
Jack Fink,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Accessible, affordable childcare alleviates poverty, prevents homelessness, improves employer productivity and retention, increases the tax base, supports small businesses and keeps young families in our communities.—
Susan Ellenberg,
Mercury News,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Creating a natural flow between a small bedroom and pint-sized patio alleviates the space concerns in each, turning two negatives into one major positive.—
Rachel Davies,
Architectural Digest,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Yet the crisis arrives at a time when the helium market has been awash in surplus, which mitigates the war’s immediate effect.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
18 Mar. 2026
-
At least the quality of cabin materials—the complex leather stitching, the suppleness of the hide, the tasteful integration of carbon-fiber trim—lends the cabin a feeling of specialness that mitigates some of the tech frustrations.—
Basem Wasef,
Robb Report,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The comfy gel pad cushions your joints, and provides gentle compression to reduce pain and swelling.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
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Stash cushions indoors or in a waterproof deck box to help prevent mold, stains, and fading.—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The Deep Sleep Superblend of lavender, chamomile and vetivert relieves stress, supporting relaxation and promoting restful sleep.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Apr. 2026
-
The system of competitive advantage also relieves professors from making judgments about the quality of work the students who receive therapy provide.—
Richard E. Vatz,
Baltimore Sun,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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This helps create a barrier of warmer air that buffers the foliage against the cold.—
Karl Schneider,
IndyStar,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Steam thins mucus and eases congestion, per the same PMC/NIH trial.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
22 Apr. 2026
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Regular physical activity helps reduce blood pressure, eases arthritic pain, combats chronic illness and lifts your mood.—
Helen Dennis,
Daily News,
19 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Softens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/softens. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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