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
Relevance
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
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Recent Examples of soften
The Moon softens Jupiter’s push, helping your message come through with clarity and ease.
—
Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
The original design featured a straight-across neckline, which Jaden chose to soften into a sweetheart to complement her petite frame.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
There is no way to soften the blow.
—Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
In the primary suite, the mood softens slightly.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for soften
Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
The original design featured a straight-across neckline, which Jaden chose to soften into a sweetheart to complement her petite frame.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
There is no way to soften the blow.
—Neil Senturia, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
In the primary suite, the mood softens slightly.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for soften
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soften
Verb
-
The deeper the rifts between the United States and Europe over Iran, the greater the chances of weakening the NATO alliance.—
Sudarsan Raghavan,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2026
-
During his appearances on Capitol Hill this month, Secretary Kennendy was grilled about the administration's defense of the pesticide industry and weakening of protections against mercury pollution, another issue that Kennedy had worked on as an advocate.—
Will Stone,
NPR,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Scientists have been zapping brains to alleviate depression for decades through a method called transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS.—
O. Rose Broderick,
STAT,
27 Apr. 2026
-
In 2024, Overland Park approved a $1 million project to improve its storm sewer systems between Antioch and Switzer Roads near Indian Creek to alleviate flooding.—
Taylor O'Connor,
Kansas City Star,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Those teams’ respective front office heads, Rob Pelinka and Tim Connelly, should take a bow for making moves that have mitigated the damage.—
Sam Amick,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Lateral deformation and bowing can impact the placement and performance of fuel, and the monobloc construction of these tubes is designed to mitigate those issues.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Still, her spokeswoman was quick to temper the excitement, telling the paper that Sánchez was not having a baby.—
Blanche Marcel,
Vanity Fair,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Because of her ability to calm and temper her emotions, she is connected with Aries, as the ferocious sign can resort to unruly means to prove its point and provoke conflict.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But noise, as well as glare, are typically buffered with vegetative landscaping and setbacks, or the distance between the property line and the nearest structure.—
Anna Clark,
ProPublica,
24 Apr. 2026
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Though the dugongs are currently buffered from the conflict in the strait, Bartholomew noted that a spill reaching their coastal waters would pose a serious threat.—
Asuka Koda,
CNN Money,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Japan has scrapped taxes on gasoline and introduced subsidies to try to cushion the impact of rising oil prices.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The creamy formula creates a rich, cushioning lather that elevates the entire wash.—
Iman Balagam,
Vogue,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Soften.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soften. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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