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
The reason that toum works better than fresh garlic is because toum is made by blending fresh garlic with olive oil until the garlic becomes suspended in thick, emulsified foam that softens the garlic’s sharp flavor.
—
Josh Miller, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026
Each is made in Scotland, where a wash in pure local spring water softens the yarns even further.
—Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2026
There's also the option of reaching out to the utility companies to get on a budget plan that softens the blow.
—John Shumway, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
The city softens, the breeze cools and conversation comes easy.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
Notes of bright grapefruit and quince bring a fresh, fruit-forward sparkle, while sheer jasmine softens the blend, leaving a light, elegant trail on the skin.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
Prepared Frozen Foods Dumplings and gyoza are typically flash-frozen after shaping and should be cooked straight from frozen; thawing softens the wrappers and compromises texture.
—Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 8 Feb. 2026
Neptune’s presence in Aries softens the edges, reminding you that purpose and imagination can coexist.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 8 Feb. 2026
The care the wizard takes in cooking the simple breakfast, even making sure the fire is literally fed, instantly softens Sophie and the audience to the illusive character.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 21 Dec. 2024
Josh Miller, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2026
Each is made in Scotland, where a wash in pure local spring water softens the yarns even further.
—Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2026
There's also the option of reaching out to the utility companies to get on a budget plan that softens the blow.
—John Shumway, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
The city softens, the breeze cools and conversation comes easy.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
Notes of bright grapefruit and quince bring a fresh, fruit-forward sparkle, while sheer jasmine softens the blend, leaving a light, elegant trail on the skin.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 9 Feb. 2026
Prepared Frozen Foods Dumplings and gyoza are typically flash-frozen after shaping and should be cooked straight from frozen; thawing softens the wrappers and compromises texture.
—Anne Wolf, Martha Stewart, 8 Feb. 2026
Neptune’s presence in Aries softens the edges, reminding you that purpose and imagination can coexist.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 8 Feb. 2026
The care the wizard takes in cooking the simple breakfast, even making sure the fire is literally fed, instantly softens Sophie and the audience to the illusive character.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 21 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for softens
Verb
-
Cutting the International Affairs Budget (which includes USAID) weakens our global leadership and can leave preventable crises to become a problem later on.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
13 Feb. 2026
-
That pattern weakens the polar vortex’s grip on cold air, allowing Arctic air to spill into the central and southern United States.—
Newsroom Meteorologist,
Houston Chronicle,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The Hunter trade alleviates the logjam in the backcourt, clears the way for rookie Nique Clifford to get more playing time and opens a roster spot for the Kings to convert rookie two-way center Dylan Cardwell to a standard NBA contract.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
3 Feb. 2026
-
Similarly, having a closed kitchen alleviates some of the pressure of reducing visual clutter.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Schumaker said Sunday that health — and, more specifically, an alignment that best mitigates usage injuries for each individual over the course of a season — may ultimately drive the decision.—
Shawn McFarland,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Feb. 2026
-
Why Stock Pickers Win More With Multi-Asset Portfolios Market behaviors differ, but a diverse asset mix mitigates volatility.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The egg-crate foam promotes airflow and cushions pressure points, and the zip-off cover is machine-washable for quick refreshes.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
-
In a healthy economy, the middle and working classes provide a floor of stable demand that cushions this volatility.—
Katica Roy,
Fortune,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The collective spiritual and ritual aspects of the psychedelic experience in community settings are what relieves suffering and strengthens bonds.—
Erica Rex,
STAT,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Living wages lead to local economic growth & relieves the tax burden on other Texas families.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This helps create a barrier of warmer air that buffers the foliage against the cold.—
Karl Schneider,
IndyStar,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Heat strengthens pure metals Standard metallurgical rules dictate that heat eases atomic movement, rendering metals more pliable and simpler to reshape under normal conditions.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Seasonality also plays a role, as demand typically rises during the holiday baking season and eases in January, according to trade association Eggs Unlimited.—
Mike Winters,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Softens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/softens. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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