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.

However, MOF glasses soften only at high temperatures -- above 300 °C -- close to their degradation temperature, making manufacturing challenging and limiting broader use.

From Science Daily • May 22, 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

Add shredded cabbage or whatever vegetables you have, let everything soften, and finish with a drizzle of sesame oil or chili crisp.

From Salon • May 22, 2026

Share bad news directly, not through mass communications polished to soften the blow.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

And he knew that she had given it to him today to soften the shock of his mother’s return.

From "Forged by Fire" by Sharon M. Draper

soften

Example Sentences

Related Words