· the process of becoming softer; "refrigeration delayed the softening of the fruit"; "he observed the softening of iron by heat"

Hypernym(s): natural_process, natural_action, action, activity

· make (images or sounds) soft or softer

Hypernym(s): change_intensity

Antonym(s): sharpen

· lessen in force or effect; "soften a shock"; "break a fall"

Synonym(s): dampen, damp, weaken, break

Hypernym(s): deaden, blunt

· give in, as to influence or pressure

Synonym(s): yield, relent

· protect from impact; "cushion the blow"

Synonym(s): cushion, buffer

Hypernym(s): modify

· make less severe or harsh; "He moderated his tone when the students burst out in tears"

Synonym(s): mince, moderate

Hypernym(s): change, alter, modify

· make soft or softer; "This liquid will soften your laundry"

Hypernym(s): change, alter, modify

Antonym(s): harden

· become soft or softer; "The bread will soften if you pour some liquid on it"

Hypernym(s): change

Antonym(s): harden

· having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin

Synonym(s): demulcent, emollient, salving