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.

For years, India's economic managers have tried to soften every shock.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

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

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

I wonder if it’ll ever be enough to thaw the freeze, or if the ice will just soften for a moment, then harden again.

From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen

soften

Example Sentences

Related Words