SOFTENS Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

softens

verb

present tense third-person singular of soften

as in weakens

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

as in alleviates

to lessen the shock of had tried to soften the blow of her rejection to his marriage proposal

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Once that inner conversation softens, connection to others tends to follow. — Jan Gerber, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 The versatile pair will quickly become their everyday staple, with premium Venetian leather that softens and develops character with every wear. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 11 Aug. 2026 Following last Friday's weak jobs report , the market is nervous that a hot inflation report could force the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates even as the labor market softens. — Jeff Marks, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026 As the light dips behind the hills and Chianti’s color palette softens, life beyond the estate starts to feel quite distant. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026 But over time, that moisture starts to break down and the texture softens. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026 According to Haar, the same cell-wall breakdown that softens texture can make certain nutrients easier for the body to absorb. — Bridget Shirvell, Martha Stewart, 7 Aug. 2026 Key Takeaways Chia seeds may help relieve constipation because their soluble fiber absorbs water and forms a gel that softens and bulks stool. — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2026 Your 1st House of Identity softens as the nurturing Moon conjoins tender Chiron there, inviting gentle self-care and a kinder inner voice. — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for softens

Verb

In a turnaround, the danger is that cutting so deeply weakens the capabilities needed for recovery.

— Ozan Ozerk, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Every decision that follows—from financial management to customer experience—either strengthens or weakens that identity.

— Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of weakens

Verb

Morgan Stanley’s Joseph Moore said the arrangement alleviates concerns about circular financing because third-party investors would provide most of the capital, while Nvidia would participate only to a limited extent.

— Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026
Adding Skubal alleviates some of the weight of that decision.

— Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of alleviates

Verb

This approach, seen in brands like Spangler Candy and Pizza Hut, cultivates deep emotional equity, mitigates commercialization risks, and enhances brand loyalty.

— Louis Biscotti, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
This approach mitigates the need to offer costly incentives to exhausted drivers working past sunset.

— Christopher S. Tang, The Conversation, 8 July 2026

Definition of mitigates

Verb

While the sole is much thinner than many of the other options on our list, it’s made out of plush memory foam that cushions the foot with every step.

— Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 30 July 2026
The glossy oil-gel formula cushions lips with squalane, passion fruit seed oil, and sodium hyaluronate for juicy hydration, while a hint of peppermint and menthol delivers a subtle cooling sensation that makes lips feel instantly refreshed.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 July 2026

Definition of cushions

Verb

Russia’s closer relationship with North Korea relieves some of China’s obligation to deliver economic aid and security guarantees to its northeastern neighbor.

— ZHENG JIYONG, Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 2026
This can be observed in heart failure patients with an implant that relieves strain on their heart by helping pump blood through their bodies.

— Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 29 July 2026

Definition of relieves

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softening

softens

softhead

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“Softens.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/softens. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of softens

verb

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