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Definitions

soften

[saw-fuhn, sof-uhn] / ˈsɔ fən, ˈsɒf ən /
VERB
calm, soothe
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abate alleviate cushion diminish dissolve ease lessen lighten lower mellow melt mitigate moderate modify relax relent temper thaw tone down weaken
STRONG
allay appease assuage bend disintegrate enfeeble give knead mash moisten mollify palliate qualify quell still subdue tenderize yield
WEAK
become tender turn down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aggravate agitate coagulate compliment excite heighten incite increase intensify irritate magnify rise solidify strengthen upset worsen
STRONG
disturb provoke
WEAK
trouble

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I let everything slump and soften before transferring the mixture to my mini blender for a quick blitz into a pale orange, velvet-like base.

From Salon • May 12, 2026

After parents' and employers' associations objected, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum appeared to soften the announcement, describing it as a "proposal".

From BBC • May 9, 2026

This was the same line of argument she’d taken a million times at Fox News, and she just couldn’t soften it for NBC.

From Slate • May 6, 2026

Countercompounds that soften harmful side effects of major drugs.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

As wonderful as Anna was, her kindness did little to soften Fry High’s general treatment of Petey.

From "The Last Last-Day-of-Summer" by Lamar Giles