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
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Recent Examples of soften
Cole's claims that in 1908, the chef dipped a sandwich in aus-jus to soften it for a customer who had bad gums.
—
James Powel, USA Today, 10 July 2025
In moving on from Tucker and not subjecting a rookie to a kicking competition with a potential Hall of Famer, the Ravens softened an already volatile situation.
—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 10 July 2025
The buttery texture melts right into your skin, clearing away makeup and dirt while soothing and softening with algae and aromatherapy oils.
—Jeaneen Russell, People.com, 10 July 2025
Just that it’s formulated with 25% snail mucin, which boosts skin moisture and radiance and calms and softens the complexion.
—Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for soften
James Powel, USA Today, 10 July 2025
In moving on from Tucker and not subjecting a rookie to a kicking competition with a potential Hall of Famer, the Ravens softened an already volatile situation.
—Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 10 July 2025
The buttery texture melts right into your skin, clearing away makeup and dirt while soothing and softening with algae and aromatherapy oils.
—Jeaneen Russell, People.com, 10 July 2025
Just that it’s formulated with 25% snail mucin, which boosts skin moisture and radiance and calms and softens the complexion.
—Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for soften
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soften
Verb
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This weakens their ability to educate, create, and grow.—
Miguel Cardona,
Time,
21 July 2025
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This could help verify recent findings from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) that suggest this strange force is actually weakening over time.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
20 July 2025
Verb
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Pair your medication with lifestyle changes – like nutrition and exercise – to alleviate any adverse symptoms.—
Sam Woodward,
USA Today,
25 July 2025
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Watson suggested adding 500 beds to the North Central Unit in Castle Rock, along with a new 1,000-bed prison, which, combined, would help alleviate the state's overcrowding problem.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
24 July 2025
Verb
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Or when planning budgets for IT and compliance initiatives, CFOs can leverage identity data to support cost-benefit analyses and prioritize investments that mitigate the most critical risks.—
Leslie Milne,
Forbes.com,
21 July 2025
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In trying to appease both sides, the government of Italy imposed a five-euro (almost $6) tax last year to tourists traveling into the city in an attempt to mitigate tourism at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.—
Emily Steinberger,
Fortune,
20 July 2025
Verb
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Actions have been tempered and countermeasures have materialized.—
John S. Tobey,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Trump has previously even quipped about how Franklin Graham, the president of Samaritan's Purse and a Trump ally, would ask him to temper his cursing.—
Lalee Ibssa,
ABC News,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Pack your rackets securely, often buffered by clothes or a towel, and consider using a durable bag or hard case for better protection during transit.—
Will Porter,
Travel + Leisure,
14 July 2025
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The average will drift down, but the home park helps buffer that.—
Owen Poindexter,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
Verb
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The sleek, stylish, and softly cushioned Sonos Ace is now marked down by $154, and that's music to our ears.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
21 July 2025
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Look for breathable, sweat-wicking polos, technical pants with stretch and unfettered freedom, versatile layers like lightweight rain jackets and zip-ups to stay comfortable through changing weather conditions, reliable gloves, cushioned socks and spikeless or hybrid shoes.—
Jené Luciani Sena,
FOXNews.com,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Soften.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soften. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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