as in emollient
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in mellowing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in weakening
to diminish the physical strength of
three weeks of being sick in bed had noticeably softened her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in alleviating
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
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Recent Examples of softening
Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 24 Dec. 2024
Another indicator of a softening economy is Industrial Production.
—Robert Barone, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Its intensely moisturizing formula features amino acids that make up the protein keratin (which is key for maintaining your hair’s structure and strength) and hair-softening plant extracts.
—Sara Coughlin, SELF, 23 Dec. 2024
These are made with sunflower seed oil, avocado oil, and Vitamin E, smoothing and softening even the roughest skin.
—Veronica Booth, Rolling Stone, 20 Dec. 2024
Valuing Quality Hires The tech industry is shifting from volume hiring to quality hiring, as companies prioritize the impact of each new employee in a softening labor market.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
The company blamed worsened consumer sentiment in China for driving further softening in overall prestige beauty in mainland China and low conversion rates in Asia travel retail and Hong Kong.
—Kathryn Hopkins, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024
The spray-on scent has a skin-softening base of sweet almond, macadamia, argan, and apricot kernel oils.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024
Avoid items that show signs of changes in food texture, such as softening or ice crystals.
—Merve Ceylan, Health, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
An iron deficiency may lead to nail changes such as softening and weakness.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for softening
Adjective
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The British government will see a deal as a vindication of Starmer’s emollient approach to Trump, which has avoided direct confrontation or criticism.—
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The British government will see a deal it as a vindication of Starmer’s emollient approach to Trump, which has avoided direct confrontation or criticism.—
Verb
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Moffett also said artificial intelligence isn’t driving an upgrade cycle as hoped, noting that there is weakening demand in China along with antitrust concerns.—
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With high expectations for future new orders along with expanding current new orders, the outlooks for material handling and supply chain industries are positive, despite some weakening in the December MHI BAI report.—
Verb
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Despite climbing home prices, mortgage rates have recently reported weeks of declines and inventory is growing in many parts of the country, alleviating the shortage of homes and forcing sellers to slash prices to attract still-cautious buyers.—
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But aside from a desire for revenge against Israel and remaining the primary power broker in Gaza, Hamas has consistently struggled to articulate an achievable long-term strategy for alleviating the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.—
Adjective
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Any hazardous dirt in California must be trucked there, or exported to landfills in neighboring states that rely on the more lenient federal standards.—
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While collaborative frameworks can foster innovation and flexibility, overly lenient or ambitious regulatory environments risk enabling greenwashing and superficial compliance.—
Noun
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With a long flowering period from spring through summer, oleander makes a beautiful hedge that’s tolerant to heat, drought, and salt.—
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His paintings frequently depict flowering trees, grassy fields and blue swimming pools under languid skies.—
Adjective
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The Celtics’ first-round slugfest came to a merciful end Tuesday night at TD Garden.—
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To the relief of everybody, weeks of rumors/subterfuge/smokescreens/innuendo come to a merciful end.—
Noun
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The case is one of many discoveries of relatively recent biological adaptation that could upend a long-standing idea about the evolution of our species.—
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Barry Diller has seen nearly every evolution of the entertainment business.—
Verb
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Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in mitigating the risk of wildfires during these perilous conditions.—
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This evolution calls for estate planners to adopt a broader, strategic approach, focusing on mitigating risks while seizing opportunities.—
Cite this Entry
“Softening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/softening. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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