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
Many types of seeds benefit from soaking in room temperature water before planting, which softens the outer covering and allows the seed germ to break through easier.
—
Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 20 Apr. 2026
The Fed’s balance sheet swelled again during the pandemic recession, as central bankers acted decisively to stabilize markets and soften the blow to the US economy.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026
Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes are softened and liquid is reduced by half, 8 to 10 minutes.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026
Some galleries have had pigment—blue, red, black—mixed into the concrete, softening the material’s sterility.
—Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for soften
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Barbara Gillette, The Spruce, 20 Apr. 2026
The Fed’s balance sheet swelled again during the pandemic recession, as central bankers acted decisively to stabilize markets and soften the blow to the US economy.
—Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026
Cook, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes are softened and liquid is reduced by half, 8 to 10 minutes.
—Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026
Some galleries have had pigment—blue, red, black—mixed into the concrete, softening the material’s sterility.
—Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
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 Apr. 2026.
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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