soften
verb
Key Types & categories Parts & wholes Related & opposite
- Word type
- noun
- verb
- adjective
- adverb
- Line style
- core relation
- instance, member or derived
- substance, domain or see-also
- Direction
- arrow points to the broader concept
- dashed outline: no word in this language
- Click any word to expand it.
Senses
Sense 1 verb
make (images or sounds) soft or softer
Types & categories
- change intensity hypernym
- mute hyponym
Related & opposite
- sharpen antonym
Sense 2 verb
lessen in force or effect
soften a shock
Types & categories
Related & opposite
Sense 3 verb
give in, as to influence or pressure
Types & categories
- truckle hyponym
Related & opposite
- remain firm antonym
Sense 4 verb
protect from impact
cushion the blow
Types & categories
- modify hypernym
Related & opposite
Sense 5 verb
make less severe or harsh
He moderated his tone when the students burst out in tears
Types & categories
- change hypernym
Related & opposite
- mitigation derivation
Sense 6 verb
make soft or softer
This liquid will soften your laundry
Types & categories
Related & opposite
Sense 7 verb
become soft or softer
The bread will soften if you pour some liquid on it
Types & categories
Related & opposite
Table view of this graph
| Sense | Relation | Group | Word |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | antonym | Related & opposite | sharpen |
| 1 | hypernym | Types & categories | change intensity |
| 1 | hyponym | Types & categories | mute |
| 2 | derivation | Related & opposite | damper |
| 2 | derivation | Related & opposite | weakener |
| 2 | hypernym | Types & categories | blunt |
| 2 | hyponym | Types & categories | deafen |
| 2 | hyponym | Types & categories | deaden |
| 3 | antonym | Related & opposite | remain firm |
| 3 | hyponym | Types & categories | truckle |
| 4 | derivation | Related & opposite | fender |
| 4 | derivation | Related & opposite | padding |
| 4 | derivation | Related & opposite | cushion |
| 4 | hypernym | Types & categories | modify |
| 5 | derivation | Related & opposite | mitigation |
| 5 | hypernym | Types & categories | change |
| 6 | antonym | Related & opposite | harden |
| 6 | causes | Related & opposite | soften |
| 6 | derivation | Related & opposite | softening |
| 6 | derivation | Related & opposite | softener |
| 6 | hypernym | Types & categories | change |
| 6 | hyponym | Types & categories | mellow |
| 6 | hyponym | Types & categories | mollify |
| 6 | hyponym | Types & categories | macerate |
| 7 | antonym | Related & opposite | harden |
| 7 | derivation | Related & opposite | softening |
| 7 | hypernym | Types & categories | change |
| 7 | hyponym | Types & categories | mellow |
| 7 | hyponym | Types & categories | macerate |