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

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

Acorn squash is ideal for roasting, soups, salads, or stuffing; its skin softens after baking, making peeling unnecessary. — Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Aug. 2026

According to Morris, corn has a fibrous outer layer that our bodies don’t fully break down, and cooking softens that structure while also making its starch more accessible to our digestive enzymes. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 26 Aug. 2026

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