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 Microsoft is also taking a different approach to soften the impact its data centers have. — Justine Calma, The Verge, 2 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid draws moisture into skin for a more immediate plumping effect that softens the appearance of lines. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 2 Oct. 2026 A day balm is meant to melt into the skin to soften fine lines and add a healthy glow under makeup. — Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026 Dunn-Edwards just announced its 2027 Color of the Year—French Press Coffee—a deep, nuanced brown softened by a subtle plum undertone that embodies the rich character of roasted coffee. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 1 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
  • Fink said the churn weakens the tie between a worker and an employer.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Other potential causes are higher rates of chronic stress, depression and anxiety, as well as autoimmune diseases, which weaken the immune system, Curhan said.
    — Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of weaken
Verb
  • With a physician shortage projected to be 33% by 2033, the Health Technology Bill of 2025 aims to use AI to alleviate the growing demand for physicians.
    — Esha Desai, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Authorities are monitoring air quality and hotspots, with the government conducting cloud seeding when conditions permit to alleviate the situation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of alleviate
Verb
  • Bhageria hopes that by starting his search for alternative suppliers now, his company can mitigate potential economic pain down the line.
    — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2026
  • With four-person staffing, Bolen said, emergency response time and the ability to safely mitigate hazards will be much quicker.
    — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of mitigate
Verb
  • If even a project with as much momentum behind it as Kilby sees a possible slowdown ahead, other data center developers should temper their expectations for pacing accordingly.
    — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Whisking constantly, ladle 2 cups of the hot rice mixture into the bowl with the eggs to temper them.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of temper
Verb
  • Thanks to the coffered and baffled wood ceilings, noise levels are buffered and kept to a pleasant rumble.
    — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • CFOs and operators should recognize that redemption pressure from 401(k) vehicles is structurally buffered at the fund level and is unlikely to translate into direct liquidity demands at the PortCo level.
    — Nate Heeren, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of buffer
Verb
  • While the surge caused some companies to cut workers’ hours, Eric Hauge, Home Line’s co-executive director, said a combination of government housing funds and mutual aid programs likely helped cushion their personal finances.
    — Alex Harring, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Investigators believe Ramirez tightly embraced her daughter during the fall, likely cushioning the baby from the impact, ABC7 NY reported.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of cushion

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soft drinks
soften
softened
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Cite this Entry

“Soften.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soften. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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