SOFTENED Synonyms: 139 Similar and Opposite Words

softened 1 of 2

adjective

as in weak

lacking bodily strength the athlete, softened by the long period of convalescence, had to begin his training program almost from scratch

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

softened

2 of 2

verb

past tense of soften

as in weakened

to diminish the physical strength of three weeks of being sick in bed had noticeably softened her

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in tempered

to lessen the shock of had tried to soften the blow of her rejection to his marriage proposal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of softened

Adjective

Even the softened base is fronted by dark gray walls, which are especially noticeable on the museum’s western, neighborhood side. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Recipe Tips for Pink Lemonade Cake Lightly grease the baking sheet with softened butter or nonstick spray before placing the piece of parchment across the bottom. — Torie Cox, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2026 Add the softened butter a few tablespoons at a time, mixing well after each addition. — ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026 Problems surged in 2020, after sweeping criminal justice reforms led by Capitol Hill’s Ward 6 Councilman Charles Allen, who spearheaded softened penalties for crimes. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 10 Aug. 2026 In separate large bowl of electric mixer beat together softened butter (1 stick) and 3/4 cup sugar at medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. — Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 3 Aug. 2026 Energy company Equinor doubts the bloc will hit even its softened 80% winter target. — semafor.com, 31 July 2026 Stir in the eggplant and cook for 6-8 minutes, until softened and lightly browned. — Laura McLively, Mercury News, 23 July 2026 This one hit the softened green just right and rolled in for an eagle. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2026

Verb

Bright notes of lemon, sweet orange, and bergamot are softened by lavender and verbena, giving the citrus opening a more rounded, aromatic quality. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026 The steak was crisp and deeply browned on the outside, with a tender, savory center underneath, and the blanket of brown gravy softened the crunchy crust and added a rich, salty flavor without overpowering the meat. — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026 But others said that tariffs have led some manufacturers to boost costs for their consumers, adding to the cost-prohibitions that have softened demand for RVs. — Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2026 Ascherson’s Caledonian accent has become less pronounced over the years, as his voice has softened and his speech has slowed. — Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026 Morton kosher salt, stirring often, until vegetables are softened and just beginning to brown, 3–4 minutes. — Claire Wadsworth, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026 Think visible under-eyes, softened liner and lived-in texture that nobody’s trying to blur away. — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026 Skin is left textured, lips are muted or blurred and eyeliner is intentionally softened. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 Despite its small stature, this mini table's design—with its dramatic sloping base and softened top—packs a punch. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 27 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for softened

Adjective

Many African economies are in a much weaker economic position compared to the strong 2015-2016 El Niño, the IIF report said, largely due to higher oil prices, which have driven up transport costs, and a strong US dollar.

— Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Too much nitrogen in the spring creates a weak root system that isn’t able to withstand the heat and drought in summer.

— Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of weak

Verb

Today, the yen has weakened 57% from a low of about 103 in January 2021 to a high of 163 in July, before a rare joint intervention from both Washington and Tokyo strengthened the currency to its current levels of about 160.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
Sprout Social's 2026 Influencer Marketing Report found that recommendation feeds have weakened the link between follower count and reach.

— Zoe Huang, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of weakened

Adjective

Kenneth Branagh originated the somewhat aloof professor, who steps into the role after Professor Quirrell was revealed to be hosting the feeble Lord Voldemort on the back of his bald head.

— Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026
Instead of using a mirror to gather starlight, MOTHRA has many telephoto lenses, like those on a camera, which can capture faintly glowing wisps of gas and other feeble emanations across a wider field of view.

— Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of feeble

Verb

Ather Energy Ather says it's also mitigated a couple of potentially awful situations that might arise with the key.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2026
Lightning sparked the White Hawk Trail fire in 2025 near his home in the middle of the land mitigated for fire and drought resilience.

— Megan Schrader, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of mitigated

Adjective

Offer a realistic time, suggest a softer plan, and let honesty keep the connection easy.

— Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026
There has always been something compelling about Paul Baker, something about the interplay between his frat-star good looks and Canadian soft-boy heart.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of soft

Adjective

Related Stories The film follows Di Marco’s titular character, a disabled young adult who works as a dominant at a fetish house.

— Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
David Lugo earned a modest living as a mechanic throughout his life, supporting his mother and disabled sister, but three years ago, the 60-year-old's kidneys failed.

— Rina Nakano, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of disabled

Browse Nearby Words

soften

softened

softener

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Softened.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/softened. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of softened

adjective

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

apiary

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes