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
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 softens
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
In the Axios Macro consensus, inflation remains elevated even as the economy softens, constraining the Federal Reserve's ability to cut interest rates.
—Courtenay Brown, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024
Managing resources according to seasonality softens how demand fluctuations impact your cash flow and operations.
—Achraf Golli, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
The super fine fragrance mist that softens hair and skin, leaving it hydrated and nourished.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
This unique method softens the oak’s tannins, allowing for richer and smoother flavors.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
This hybrid shower oil builds into a gentle lather, smoothes and softens skin with squalane, and is made of 50% glycerin, a humectant that helps draw water into the skin.
—Deanna Pai, Allure, 13 Dec. 2024
Advertisement The four-week average of weekly claims, which softens some of the week-to-week volatility, rose by nearly 6,000 to 224,250.
—Matt Ott, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024
It’s fully loaded with lean-sensitive ABS, traction control and four riding modes including Rain - which softens the curves and helps keep you upright - and the proverbial Sport, for the outlaw in all of us.
—Josh Max, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 21 Dec. 2024
In the Axios Macro consensus, inflation remains elevated even as the economy softens, constraining the Federal Reserve's ability to cut interest rates.
—Courtenay Brown, Axios, 20 Dec. 2024
Managing resources according to seasonality softens how demand fluctuations impact your cash flow and operations.
—Achraf Golli, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
The super fine fragrance mist that softens hair and skin, leaving it hydrated and nourished.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
This unique method softens the oak’s tannins, allowing for richer and smoother flavors.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
This hybrid shower oil builds into a gentle lather, smoothes and softens skin with squalane, and is made of 50% glycerin, a humectant that helps draw water into the skin.
—Deanna Pai, Allure, 13 Dec. 2024
Advertisement The four-week average of weekly claims, which softens some of the week-to-week volatility, rose by nearly 6,000 to 224,250.
—Matt Ott, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024
It’s fully loaded with lean-sensitive ABS, traction control and four riding modes including Rain - which softens the curves and helps keep you upright - and the proverbial Sport, for the outlaw in all of us.
—Josh Max, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for softens
Verb
-
An easy monetary policy typically weakens a country’s currency, making exports cheaper and potentially supports growth in the face of tariffs.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
23 Dec. 2024
-
Doing so weakens your home's heating system and is a fire hazard.—
Rabekah Henderson,
Southern Living,
20 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
The big reveal alleviates some of the pressure, but the shock of it comes a little too late, and what proceeds to unfold in the third act feels like a film disappointedly letting out almost all its air.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
10 Mar. 2025
-
This encourages blood flow in the body, and alleviates pressure off the liver, per Mount Sinai.—
Caroline C. Boyle,
USA TODAY,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Quality trash bags hold in smells by preventing trash from leaking or spilling out, which mitigates lingering bacteria and odors.—
Kamron Sanders,
Better Homes & Gardens,
18 Mar. 2025
-
Ultimately, cultivating frontline leaders mitigates the significant costs linked to management failure.—
Dave Winsborough,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Another important factor is if a jacket limits mobility or gets in the way when the dog relieves itself.—
Madison Yauger,
People.com,
3 Jan. 2025
-
The partnership relieves overcrowding at the shelter, which has recently seen an uptick in the average length of stay before getting adopted, said shelter spokesperson Jen Smieja.—
JR Radcliffe,
Journal Sentinel,
26 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
This choice caters directly to the needs of a cloud-first AI world and eases the integration of the new offering into existing infrastructure.—
Steve McDowell,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
-
The Church’s commitment to academic excellence enriches education and eases the financial burden on taxpayers.—
Jason Adkins,
Twin Cities,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Softens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/softens. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share