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.

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Sitting there outside Thank You Coffee, I felt something in me soften.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

While convenient, these warmer conditions speed up respiration and ripening, causing fruit to soften and deteriorate more rapidly.

From Science Daily • May 23, 2026

The drugmaker is moving to soften an upcoming blow in 2028, when key patent protections for Keytruda begin to expire.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

To soften the effect of his speech, Douglass offered some kind words about Stanton.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

soften

Example Sentences

Related Words