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.

What makes Reble compelling is her refusal to soften herself for wider consumption - she resists explaining, translating or flattening her world into something more familiar.

From BBC • May 15, 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

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

During the reporting process, I noticed my pessimism soften a little.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Dayah’s eyes soften as she looks at him.

From "Without Refuge" by Jane Mitchell

soften

Example Sentences

Related Words