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.

“What IS happening, though, is a softening in new bookings,” she said.

From Barron's

Signs of de-escalation could lead to softening demand for hedges, which could help push stocks higher.

From MarketWatch

The ricotta and breadcrumbs soften the texture, keeping the meatballs tender and almost plush, their richness dissolving into the pan.

From Salon

The increase in rental listings from would-be sellers can also soften the rental market with the new supply.

From The Wall Street Journal