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.

Road surfaces can also soften in the heat, which can require gritters.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

A falling market is an early sign that spending and growth are about to soften.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 23, 2026

It was a tactical concession clearly designed to soften his image with women.

From Salon • Jun. 17, 2026

This is the latest effort by Canada to soften the blow from higher energy costs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Still...there must be some way to soften Grandmother’s heart.

From "In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson" by Bette Bao Lord