soften

verb

ˈsȯ-fən How to pronounce soften (audio)
Definition of softennext
1
as in to weaken
to diminish the physical strength of three weeks of being sick in bed had noticeably softened her

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to alleviate
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 soften The cream creates a subtle glow and softens the skin, helping to smooth out those fine lines on the neck. — Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2026 The deodorant also gives dry, irritated pits some extra love, with barrier-supporting sunflower seed oil that helps soften and moisturize skin. — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 23 Oct. 2026 Scientists at the Beckman Institute have been tracking levels of plastic-softening phthalates in the blood of children since before they were born up until age 11. — Michael Hawthorne, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026 Some of the most prominent voices warning about AI job losses have softened their tone. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for soften
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soften
  1. weaken
  2. alleviate
  3. mitigate
  4. temper
  5. buffer
  6. cushion
Verb
  • Conditions were expected to improve Saturday afternoon as winds weakened, with fair and dry weather forecast for the remainder of the weekend.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • As trust in America weakens further, other wealthy nations will make the same calculation.
    — Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of weaken
Verb
  • Beyond alleviating school traffic and stadium congestion, the project serves as a major utility corridor.
    — Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Eric Talley, a law professor at Columbia University and corporate law expert, told CNBC that a merger could alleviate shareholders' worries about where Musk is spending his time and his companies' resources.
    — Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of alleviate
Verb
  • The fear of effeminization has never felt so acute, which presumably is why Matt Damon’s Odysseus needed bulging muscles, to ensure his sensitivity was mitigated by pecs of steel.
    — Jay Weissberg, Variety, 23 Oct. 2026
  • This month, the council held a nine-hour hearing to debate tax proposals, including the BAT, as the council attempts to mitigate budget shortfalls for fiscal year 2028.
    — Irit Skulnik, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of mitigate
Verb
  • Although bright whites dominate the hotel’s design, the warmth of unvarnished wood furniture does much to temper its starkness, and judicious use of pops of colour – fresh greens, yellows and florals – gives visual interest to the luxe space.
    — Julia Wytrazek, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Earlier stages of the digital revolution offer reasons to temper those expectations.
    — RUCHIR SHARMA, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of temper
Verb
  • Research tied to the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health suggests specific brain regions may produce their own testosterone, potentially buffering against drops in blood levels.
    — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026
  • With the team’s new system, the heat pump heats water and uses a large tank to buffer the heat.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of buffer
Verb
  • Du Halgouët said the region’s performance was supported by retail sales at its own-brand stores, while the company’s focus on higher-value products, particularly leather goods and jewelry, helped cushion the decline.
    — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Hit your late 70s though, and you are not cushioned from bereavement.
    — Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of cushion

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soften
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Cite this Entry

“Soften.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soften. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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