soften

verb soft·en \ ˈsȯ-fən \

|Updated on: 12 Aug 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

On the other hand, emollient ingredients soften skin.

— ashley weatherford, The Cut, "Everything You Need to Know About Putting Oils on Your Face," 12 July 2018
But hotel demand and ticket sales for the annual tournament have softened in recent years.

— katherine peralta, charlotteobserver, "CIAA 'reevaluates' whether to host annual basketball tournament in Charlotte," 9 July 2018
Best stored in the fridge to achieve peak chill, the small pads will soften and revive tired-looking skin.

— jenna rennert, Vogue, "11 Cooling Beauty Products That Beat the Heat," 7 July 2018
Under pressure, the Polish government has softened that law, removing criminal penalties.

— jeet heer, The New Republic, "Israeli historian accuses Benjamin Netanyahu of whitewashing Polish complicity in the Holocaust.," 5 July 2018
The humidity of sweltering Washington D.C. would soften the adhesive at the edges of the Declaration.

— joe pappalardo, Popular Mechanics, "The Science of Saving the Declaration of Independence," 3 July 2018
The heavy lift for the GOP in the congressional races comes even as the most talked-about candidate for governor is conservative Kobach, and state lawmakers have shown no sign of softening on issues that animate the base like immigration and guns.

— Washington Post, "Even in GOP bastion Kansas, 2 congressional seats in play," 2 July 2018
Garlic toast points ½ pound unsalted butter, softened 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 tablespoon salt 2 French baguettes Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

— kathryn gregory, The Courier-Journal, "Celebrate Fourth of July with these Louisville chef throwback recipes," 2 July 2018
The steadiness of sentiment also suggests that a period of slowing growth may be coming to an end, following surveys of activity released last week that recorded a first rise in business activity after four months of softening during June.

— paul hannon, WSJ, "Eurozone Business Confidence Holds Up in Face of Fresh Tariffs," 28 June 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

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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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