Need another word for Soften? Use these synonyms of Soften from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
mollify
alleviate
mitigate
moderate
temper
ease
calm
gentle
lenify
pacify
soothe
assuage
comfort
console
solace
allay
abate
reduce
diminish
lessen
relieve
lighten
slacken
relax
loosen
unbend
yield
give
moderate
tone
downplay
minimize
decrease
weaken
enfeeble
debilitate
cripple
disable
impair
blunt
dull
deaden
Meaning of Soften
to make something less severe or harsh
Definitions
- to make something less harsh or severe, or less strong or violent
- * to make someone feel less angry, upset, or hurt
- * to become or make something less hard or rigid
Etymology of Soften
The word "soften" originated from Old English "sēftan", which is derived from "sēft", meaning "soft", and the suffix "-en", which forms a verb
Historically, the word has been used to describe the act of making something less harsh or severe, and its meaning has evolved over time to include various connotations and applications
Example Uses
- The teacher tried to soften the blow by being gentle with her criticism
- * The music helped to soften the mood in the room
- * The new policy aims to soften the impact of the economic downturn on low-income families