Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for soften. Search instead for sanften.
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.

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

This was the same line of argument she’d taken a million times at Fox News, and she just couldn’t soften it for NBC.

From Slate • May 6, 2026

Is it a spoiler to say he’ll soften by the end?

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

While the U.S. and Americas have more domestic supply and inventory buffers, the analyst says higher pump prices are starting to cut into driving in the U.S., as rising airfares soften demand for flights.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

To soften the scary pictures everybody in our town now had of me.

From "We'll Fly Away" by Bryan Bliss