Synonyms for soften
Definitions
- v. 1
To make less harsh.
Having second thoughts, I softened my criticism.
- v. 2
To make something soft or softer.
Soften the butter before beating in the sugar.
- v. 3
To undermine the morale of someone (often soften up).
Before the invasion, we softened up the enemy with the artillery.
- v. 4
To become soft or softer.
The butter softened as it warmed up.
Related words
- Word family
- softness soft
- Phrases
- soften up soften the blow
Forms
- Past participle
- softened
e.g. softened → abated, mollified, weakened, lessened…
Example sentences
- weaken This could profoundly weaken the Algerian economy.
- lessen We had to lessen the impact of the erratic supplies.
- soothe I'll have to do something to soothe away this pain.
- mollify Mary tried to mollify Tom by singing him a lullaby.
- relax I can't relax for a second when the kids are home.
- temperate Heathers can grow very well in temperate climates.
By length
- 4 letters
- ease1, melt1, damp1
- 5 letters
- break1, touch1, relax2, yield1, blunt1, mince1, abate2, allay2
- 6 letters
- affect2, buffer2, weaken2, lessen2, soothe1, subdue2, dampen2, pacify3, relent2
- 7 letters
- relieve2, cushion2, appease2, sweeten2, assuage2, mollify3, slacken2
- 8 letters
- moderate3, mitigate3
- 9 letters
- alleviate4, temperate2, tenderize, tenderise, emolliate
- 10 letters
- effeminate4
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (relax2 = 2 syllables).