| verb | make (images or sounds) soft or softer |
| verb | lessen in force or effect “soften a shock” |
| verb | give in, as to influence or pressure |
| verb | protect from impact “cushion the blow” |
| verb | make less severe or harsh “He moderated his tone when the students burst out in tears” |
| verb | make soft or softer “This liquid will soften your laundry” |
| verb | become soft or softer “The bread will soften if you pour some liquid on it” |
| adjective | toned down |
| adjective | being or made softer or less loud or clear “the dull boom of distant breaking waves” |
| damper | noun | a movable iron plate that regulates the draft in a stove or chimney or furnace |
| weakener | noun | that which weakens or causes a loss of strength |
| cushion | noun | a mechanical damper; absorbs energy of sudden impulses |
| cushioning | noun | artifact consisting of soft or resilient material used to fill or give shape or protect or add comfort |
| buffer | noun | a cushion-like device that reduces shock due to an impact |
| moderation | noun | the action of lessening in severity or intensity |
| softener | noun | a substance added to another to make it less hard |
| softening | noun | the process of becoming softer |