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
Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened before mixing the icing for the best result.
—
Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2025
In other words, while the alternative services are doing their bit to soften the blow, the pay-TV business as a whole is still sort of treading water in the vicinity of the Pacific Trash Vortex.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 12 Dec. 2025
Inside, hydrating meadowfoam seed oil, an antioxidant-rich botanical blend, and fermented coconut fruit extract quickly soothe and soften dry, rough hands.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 12 Dec. 2025
Soon enough, Tess’s displeasure softens into exasperation, then amazement, before melting into a tender ghost of a smile.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for soften
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Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2025
In other words, while the alternative services are doing their bit to soften the blow, the pay-TV business as a whole is still sort of treading water in the vicinity of the Pacific Trash Vortex.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 12 Dec. 2025
Inside, hydrating meadowfoam seed oil, an antioxidant-rich botanical blend, and fermented coconut fruit extract quickly soothe and soften dry, rough hands.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 12 Dec. 2025
Soon enough, Tess’s displeasure softens into exasperation, then amazement, before melting into a tender ghost of a smile.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 12 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 21 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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