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
On the campaign trail, the president spent time courting faith leaders throughout the country, often refusing to soften his language in those venues as well.
—
Lalee Ibssa, ABC News, 14 July 2025
By then, Trump had softened his tariff stance and the markets had rebounded accordingly.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Instead of shying away from the intensity of the rum, trying to soften it with lime juice or bury it in coconut, the Kingston Negroni puts the Smith & Cross front and center.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 11 July 2025
Nashville rents have softened since the apartment development boom, especially last year, when three months of free rent was a relatively common incentive deal being advertised.
—Molly Davis, The Tennessean, 11 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for soften
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Lalee Ibssa, ABC News, 14 July 2025
By then, Trump had softened his tariff stance and the markets had rebounded accordingly.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Instead of shying away from the intensity of the rum, trying to soften it with lime juice or bury it in coconut, the Kingston Negroni puts the Smith & Cross front and center.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 11 July 2025
Nashville rents have softened since the apartment development boom, especially last year, when three months of free rent was a relatively common incentive deal being advertised.
—Molly Davis, The Tennessean, 11 July 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 18 Jul. 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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