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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.

The hurt and humiliation behind Hally’s eyes allow us to adopt Sam’s sympathetic attitude toward the boy, even as Beatty refuses to soften the character’s wrathful entitlement.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 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

Drop in quick-cooking noodles and let them soften directly in the soup.

From Salon • 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

Then she adds in this last part to soften the blow: “But look, my plan worked. You got in, right? I’ll make it up to you and try to come to one of your rehearsals.”

From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles