soften

verb

soft·​en ˈsȯ-fən How to pronounce soften (audio)
softened; softening ˈsȯ-fə-niŋ How to pronounce soften (audio)
ˈsȯf-niŋ

transitive verb

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
softener
ˈsȯ-fə-nər How to pronounce soften (audio)
ˈsȯf-nər
noun

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 on the Web Lightly season with salt and saute until the vegetables begin to soften, 3 to 4 minutes. Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2024 As temperatures rise, the ground softens and earthworms become more active, hence the name Worm Moon, according to the Farmers Almanac. The Arizona Republic, 4 Mar. 2024 However, parents with small children are not a demographic likely turning out in huge numbers for Dune: Part Two anyway, so perhaps the impact there will be softened by that fact. Mark Hughes, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 The restaurant’s look has been altered a bit, with its original industrial feel softened by wood details, dark leather and gold finishes. Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 29 Feb. 2024 Yet Elsbeth’s earnest determination to get to the truth begins to soften the stances of some of her new colleagues — though not all are so easily swayed. Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 28 Feb. 2024 But tourism is volatile and could soften if the economy slows or slips into a recession this year. Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 21 Feb. 2024 Skin type: The cream is particularly hydrating and softening on dry skin. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2024 This has all given Mr. Netanyahu little incentive to soften his opposition to the U.S. initiative. Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'soften.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of soften was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near soften

Cite this Entry

“Soften.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soften. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

soften

verb
soft·​en ˈsȯ-fən How to pronounce soften (audio)
softened; softening ˈsȯf-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce soften (audio)
1
: to make or become soft or softer
2
: to lessen the strength of
softener noun

More from Merriam-Webster on soften

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