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
Synonyms
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
It’s packed with a trio of powerful silicates and seaweed extract for that instant lift, while pro-vitamin B5 works to soften and hydrate over time.
—
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Oct. 2024
Add sweetness: A touch of sweetness can counteract excessive heat by softening its sharpness.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2024
Some leaders begin with less relevant statements to soften the blow, but folks can feel misled when the tough news comes behind it.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
Although surging national apartment supply helped soften pandemic rent increases, prices remain unaffordable for many.
—Sami Sparber, Axios, 12 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for soften 
Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 Oct. 2024
Add sweetness: A touch of sweetness can counteract excessive heat by softening its sharpness.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2024
Some leaders begin with less relevant statements to soften the blow, but folks can feel misled when the tough news comes behind it.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
Although surging national apartment supply helped soften pandemic rent increases, prices remain unaffordable for many.
—Sami Sparber, Axios, 12 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for soften
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.
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Dictionary Entries Near soften
Cite this Entry
“Soften.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soften. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
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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