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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.

Growth in Japan is set to soften markedly as high energy prices dim market sentiment and the boost from export front-loading last year to get ahead of tariffs fades.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

These included suspending duties on all imports with the exception of those from Russia and Belarus and adjusting the carbon border tax to soften its impact, she said.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The International Energy Agency is currently assessing whether tapping reserves of oil further is needed to soften the blow from spiking prices.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Kebede said schools would struggle to fund an increase in teachers' pay of even 2% next year from their budgets, and the inclusion fund would "merely soften the blow of underfunding".

From BBC • Mar. 28, 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