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
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
The formula softens skin, making this Philosophy bath gel a luxurious shower experience.
—
Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 29 Apr. 2026
This is seen in conditions such as rickets, which softens and weakens the bones, often seen in children.
—Anthea Levi, Health, 28 Apr. 2026
The Moon softens Jupiter’s push, helping your message come through with clarity and ease.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
In the primary suite, the mood softens slightly.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2026
As the ice cream warms slightly, the texture softens and the flavor opens up, turning each bite into something smoother and richer that practically melts in your mouth.
—Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
For one, heat softens the vegetable’s structure.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 22 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
Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 29 Apr. 2026
This is seen in conditions such as rickets, which softens and weakens the bones, often seen in children.
—Anthea Levi, Health, 28 Apr. 2026
The Moon softens Jupiter’s push, helping your message come through with clarity and ease.
—Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
In the primary suite, the mood softens slightly.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2026
As the ice cream warms slightly, the texture softens and the flavor opens up, turning each bite into something smoother and richer that practically melts in your mouth.
—Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2026
For one, heat softens the vegetable’s structure.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 22 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for softens
Verb
-
Expanding nonmedical exemptions, however, weakens the very protections those medically vulnerable children depend on.—
Sarah Marsicek,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Critics say allowing the department to delay or sideline state investigations weakens one of the last independent checks on government lawyers.—
Jaclyn Diaz,
NPR,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Seasoned party-planners say that striving to create meaningful interactions instead of for perfection alleviates some of the stress of hosting.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 Apr. 2026
-
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
Verb
-
The Petti Restaurant mitigates this by covering the containers in mud, creating a striking building that stays a little cooler in India's intense heat.—
Adam Williams
April 24,
New Atlas,
24 Apr. 2026
-
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
Verb
-
The comfy gel pad cushions your joints, and provides gentle compression to reduce pain and swelling.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
-
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 programming is designed for all fitness levels and also relieves tension, reduces stress and supports hormonal and metabolic health.—
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
20 Apr. 2026
-
The Deep Sleep Superblend of lavender, chamomile and vetivert relieves stress, supporting relaxation and promoting restful sleep.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
This helps create a barrier of warmer air that buffers the foliage against the cold.—
Karl Schneider,
IndyStar,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The pace eases around May 18, when Venus and Jupiter come together in Cancer and travel side-by-side through early June.—
Steph Koyfman,
Condé Nast Traveler,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The change, signed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, does not legalize marijuana federally but eases some regulations.—
David A. Graham,
The Atlantic,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Softens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/softens. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
