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
In recent months, the US has been pressuring Europe to soften, or abandon, its rules for big tech companies, including the Digital Services Act, Digital Markets Act and other AI regulations that are under consideration.
—
Kai Nicol-Schwarz,lora Kolodny, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2025
The tension between them—born from weeks of distrust and pursuit—softens into something closer to understanding.
—Jp Mangalindan, Time, 5 Dec. 2025
Among fans of the moisturizer are reviewers in their 60s and 70s, who rave about its ability to smooth and soften mature skin.
—Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
The upholstery resists stretching and is simple to maintain, while the high-density foam cushions soften and shape to you over time.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for soften
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Kai Nicol-Schwarz,lora Kolodny, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2025
The tension between them—born from weeks of distrust and pursuit—softens into something closer to understanding.
—Jp Mangalindan, Time, 5 Dec. 2025
Among fans of the moisturizer are reviewers in their 60s and 70s, who rave about its ability to smooth and soften mature skin.
—Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
The upholstery resists stretching and is simple to maintain, while the high-density foam cushions soften and shape to you over time.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for soften
Cite this Entry
“Soften.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soften. Accessed 7 Dec. 2025.
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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