softened; softening
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
: to become soft or softer
her face softened
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
Each of the eight luxurious scents is packed with softening coconut oil and shea butter.
—
Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
Astringent Hachiya persimmons must fully soften at room temperature before eating because chilling too early locks in bitterness.
—Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 11 Jan. 2026
The silky conditioner pairs keratin with jojoba seed oil to soften hair and boost shine, leaving strands glossy enough to pass for a fresh salon blowout.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 11 Jan. 2026
Shredded chicken, softened vegetables, and chicken broth that gets its flavor from thyme, rosemary, sage and dry white wine, come together to create this flavorful dish.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for soften
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Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026
Astringent Hachiya persimmons must fully soften at room temperature before eating because chilling too early locks in bitterness.
—Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 11 Jan. 2026
The silky conditioner pairs keratin with jojoba seed oil to soften hair and boost shine, leaving strands glossy enough to pass for a fresh salon blowout.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 11 Jan. 2026
Shredded chicken, softened vegetables, and chicken broth that gets its flavor from thyme, rosemary, sage and dry white wine, come together to create this flavorful dish.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for soften
Cite this Entry
“Soften.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soften. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
soften
verb
soft·en
ˈsȯ-fən
softened; softening
ˈsȯf-(ə-)niŋ
1
: to make or become soft or softer
2
: to lessen the strength of
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