soften

verb soft·en \ ˈsȯ-fən \

|Updated on: 17 Jun 2018

Definition of soften

softened; softening play \ˈsȯ-fə-niŋ, ˈsȯf-niŋ\

1 : to make soft or softer

2 a : to weaken the military resistance or the morale of especially by harassment (such as preliminary bombardment) —often used with up

b : to impair the strength or resistance of —often used with up

soften up a sales prospect

intransitive verb

: to become soft or softer

her face softened

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softener

play \ˈsȯ-fə-nər, ˈsȯf-nər\ noun

See soften defined for English-language learners

See soften defined for kids

Examples of soften in a Sentence

The butter will soften if left on the counter overnight.
The recipe called for one stick of butter, softened.
The oil is used to soften and preserve the leather.
The lotion softens dry skin.
The company has softened its stance on dating in the workplace.
Her face softened when he entered the room.
His criticism of the president has softened in the past year.
The grass softened my fall.

Recent Examples of soften from the Web

The whole panoply of causes were designed to soften the harsher edges of industrialization.

— denise davidson, sandiegouniontribune.com, "In new book, author Jon Meacham examines 'The Soul of America'," 3 June 2018
Add the potato slices and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned.

— daniel neman, sacbee, "Spanish food? Sí, por favor!," 29 May 2018
Cook, stirring often, 4 minutes until softened but not browned.

— terri milligan, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "A better wurst? Organic Wisconsin brats are ready for your summer grill," 22 May 2018
Add mung beans and cook until slightly softened, about 1 minute.

— eleanore park, WSJ, "Comfort Food That Brings the Whole Table Together," 9 May 2018
But the pro-European centrist party, the Liberal Democrats, who actively oppose Brexit (unlike Labour, which wants to soften its edges), are hoping to pick up votes among Remainers.

— stephen castle, New York Times, "Labour Targets Election Gains in the Playgrounds of London’s Superrich," 1 May 2018
Add onion; cook, stirring often, 5 or 6 minutes or until softened.

— susan nicholson, ajc, "Seven Day Menu Planner," 24 Apr. 2018
That glaze, in conjunction with Danny Cohen’s velvety cinematography, softens any hard edges or harsh moments.

— jeannette catsoulis, kansascity, "‘Final Portrait’ draws a fuzzy picture of an artist | The Kansas City Star," 18 Apr. 2018
Cook, stirring, until onion softens to a golden brown, about 6 minutes.

— leah eskin, charlotteobserver, "Secret to faster Jamaican fish stew: Canned coconut milk | Charlotte Observer," 17 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'soften.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of soften

14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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soften Synonyms

SOFTEN Defined for English Language Learners

soften

verb

Definition of soften for English Language Learners

: to become less hard or firm or to make (something) less hard or firm
: to make (something) less dry or rough
: to make (something) less severe, harsh, extreme, etc.

SOFTEN Defined for Kids

soften

verb soft·en \ ˈsȯ-fən \

Definition of soften for Students

softened; softening

1 : to make or become soft or less firm

Let the wax soften in the sun.

2 : to make or become gentler or less harsh

The elder's stern expression softened.
—Brian Jacques, Redwall

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softener

noun

Learn More about soften

See words that rhyme with soften Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for soften Spanish Central: Translation of soften Nglish: Translation of soften for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of soften for Arabic speakers

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soften

Definition of soften

softener

Examples of soften in a Sentence

Recent Examples of soften from the Web

First Known Use of soften

soften Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

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SOFTEN Defined for English Language Learners

soften

Definition of soften for English Language Learners

SOFTEN Defined for Kids

soften

Definition of soften for Students

softener

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