General opposites:
* Harden: This refers to making something physically stronger or more rigid.
* Strengthen: This emphasizes increasing the intensity or power of something.
* Sharpen: This implies making something more defined, clear, or intense.
* Intensify: This means to make something stronger or more powerful.
* Exaggerate: This refers to making something seem greater or more important than it really is.
* Emphasize: This means to give something more importance or prominence.
* Amplify: This means to make something louder or stronger.
Contextual opposites:
* Bolden: If "soften" refers to making something less bold, the opposite is "bolden."
* Roughen: If "soften" refers to making something smoother, the opposite is "roughen."
* Brighten: If "soften" refers to making something less bright, the opposite is "brighten."
* Loud: If "tone down" means to make something less loud, the opposite is "loud."
* Harsh: If "tone down" means to make something less harsh, the opposite is "harsh."
To determine the most accurate opposite, consider the specific context in which you are using "soften" or "tone down."