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
After twice-daily use, the serum visibly softened, smoothed, and hydrated her skin.
—
Kate Watson, Peoplemag, 24 Apr. 2024
Immerse one rice paper sheet in the water to just soften, about 5 seconds.
—Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2024
Its starkness is its beauty, softened only when camellia petals are strewed across the gravel in April.
—Paula Deitz, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2024
Made by combining all-natural base oils rich in vitamins and nutrients, Mad Viking's Beard Oils soften facial hair and nourish the skin beneath.
—Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 20 Apr. 2024
Brenner juxtaposes her work preserving what’s beautiful and precious for clients against her mother’s aging and decline, a period during which old grudges fade and their relationship softens.
—Longreads, 19 Apr. 2024
In recent months, total E.V. sales have softened a bit.
—David Gelles, New York Times, 16 Apr. 2024
My bumps and blackheads simply disappeared, the texture was softened and smoothed, and everything looked brighter.
—Annie Blay, Allure, 11 Apr. 2024
Let stand, stirring occasionally, to soften strawberries and release juices, at least 15 minutes and up to 30 minutes.
—Julia Levy, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2024
Kate Watson, Peoplemag, 24 Apr. 2024
Immerse one rice paper sheet in the water to just soften, about 5 seconds.
—Lynda Balslev, The Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2024
Its starkness is its beauty, softened only when camellia petals are strewed across the gravel in April.
—Paula Deitz, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2024
Made by combining all-natural base oils rich in vitamins and nutrients, Mad Viking's Beard Oils soften facial hair and nourish the skin beneath.
—Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 20 Apr. 2024
Brenner juxtaposes her work preserving what’s beautiful and precious for clients against her mother’s aging and decline, a period during which old grudges fade and their relationship softens.
—Longreads, 19 Apr. 2024
In recent months, total E.V. sales have softened a bit.
—David Gelles, New York Times, 16 Apr. 2024
My bumps and blackheads simply disappeared, the texture was softened and smoothed, and everything looked brighter.
—Annie Blay, Allure, 11 Apr. 2024
Let stand, stirring occasionally, to soften strawberries and release juices, at least 15 minutes and up to 30 minutes.
—Julia Levy, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 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.
Articles Related to soften
Dictionary Entries Near soften
Cite this Entry
“Soften.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soften. Accessed 28 Apr. 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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