<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) to make soft or softer.</li><li>Synonyms: ease, quiet, calm, alleviate, soothe, mitigate, mollify, melt.</li><li>Antonyms: harden.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>to become soft or softer.</li><li>Antonyms: harden.</li></ul>