as in emollient
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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.
—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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for softening
Adjective
-
For dry skin, look for a richer, more emollient moisturizer.—
Cierra Black,
Essence,
23 Apr. 2025
-
Plus, emollient ingredients help prevent flaking once the product has dried out.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
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.—
Jason Gewirtz,
CNBC,
8 Jan. 2025
-
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.—
Jason Schenker,
Forbes,
7 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
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.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
22 Mar. 2025
-
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.—
Mkhaimar Abusada,
The Conversation,
19 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Mailman's mom warns son's killer will strike again thanks to lenient plea deal Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg's office offered a sentence of 15 years to Jaia Cruz in exchange for pleading guilty to fatally stabbing US Mailman Ray Hodge in a Harlem sandwich shop, despite fierce opposition from his family.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
17 Apr. 2025
-
But court records reveal that the HOA was lenient on this particular rule at the time and knew of other households that had chickens.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Unlike many other areas where peak bloom is waning or has already passed, right now is the heart of Branch’s Brooks flowering season, with this year’s peak running through April 18, according to the Branch Brook Park Alliance.—
Rachel Chang,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Sydney has been waiting for 15 years for a flowering at the Royal Botanic Garden.—
Scott Neuman,
NPR,
22 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
The Nets fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves 117-91 Friday night at Target Center, bringing their 2024-25 road slate to a merciful end.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
12 Apr. 2025
-
The Church also believes in and supports the efforts of nations to regulate borders and control immigration, provided it is done in a way that is both just and merciful.—
William McCarthy,
Baltimore Sun,
5 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Among Zhang’s expansive portfolio, three standout projects capture his artistic evolution and deeper purpose: Dancing with a Jellyfish, Aesthetics from Africa, and Mirror: Truth or Lie.—
Sixteen Ramos,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Charlotte Flair, a top star in WWE's women's division, appears to be on the cusp of a significant character evolution following her recent high-stakes match at WrestleMania 41.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
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.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
14 Mar. 2025
-
The core product that makes up our industry is about mitigating and recovering from risk.—
Robert Clark,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Softening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/softening. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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