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.

This is the latest effort by Canada to soften the blow from higher energy costs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Sitting there outside Thank You Coffee, I felt something in me soften.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

Long seen as confrontational, Fujimori has tried to soften her image and present herself as more conciliatory.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

While convenient, these warmer conditions speed up respiration and ripening, causing fruit to soften and deteriorate more rapidly.

From Science Daily • May 23, 2026

Even the glitter mascara couldn’t soften her expression.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer

soften

Example Sentences

Related Words