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 no score, the film’s vivid sound design of billowing foliage, creaky doors and floorboards, creates an austere ambience that softens with quiet feeling as the contours of the family’s troubles are gradually filled out. — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 24 Aug. 2026

The former works on the surface of the skin and delivers an immediate boost of hydration that instantly plumps fine lines and softens skin texture. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026

Caffeine supports healthy follicle function, biotin promotes keratin production, peptides reinforce the hair fiber, and moisturizing panthenol softens hair and soothes dryness. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Aug. 2026

Beyond any of the sociocultural flotsam and jetsam, hanging out with your crush on a lake at a northern latitude both softens and distills all the brain-stem-deep associations with what summer means. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026

The Velvet filter softens the overall contrast and wraps the scene in a warmer, vintage-like tone that makes the blues and purples feel richer. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026

When disease sidelines working-age adults, labor-force participation softens and output per worker falls. — Pooja Kumar, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026

Pattern Play Specs AccordionItemContainerButton Florals feel especially at home on linen, where the natural texture softens even the most intricate patterns. — Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026

Give these time to warm up so the mochi softens and the ice cream isn’t rock hard and you’ll be rewarded with a creamy, chewy, messy treat. — Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026