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.

They rise when Americans feel secure enough financially, and soften when families are under duress.

From MarketWatch • May 16, 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

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

What feels clearer is the obligation not to soften what is happening, not to translate it into something more comfortable than it is.

From Slate • May 8, 2026

After three nights of gathering around Ma Charles’s table for supper, Vonetta wouldn’t soften.

From "Gone Crazy in Alabama" by Rita Williams-Garcia

soften

Example Sentences

Related Words