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emollient

adjective

Definition of emollientnext
as in softening

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of emollient Meanwhile, emollient vitamin E and softening jojoba seed oil condition your natural nails, leaving them (and the skin around them) feeling softer and more hydrated. — Sarah Felbin, Allure, 30 Apr. 2026 The formula is infused with emollient fatty acids to help support the skin’s moisture barrier, while its semi-sheer finish ensures a soft glow—far from the heavy-handed bronzer looks of the mid-2010s. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for emollient
Recent Examples of Synonyms for emollient
  1. compassionate
  2. merciful
  3. lenient
  4. cushioning
Adjective
  • Playing Edward as the courtly and compassionate polar-opposite of his awful sister Fanny, MacKay brings a gentle diffidence that syncs beautifully with Edgar-Jones’ delicate reserve.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Her reasoning was that Ted's compassionate coaching style is possible only because Rebecca, as the club's owner, permits it.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of compassionate
Adjective
  • Soon, an Angels’ season filled with firings, turmoil and loss after loss after loss will come to its merciful conclusion.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • God did not punish him intensely, but only from time to time and in a merciful way.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of merciful
Adjective
  • Some Palestinians and human rights groups had described Azaria’s sentence as far too lenient.
    — Cara Anna, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The reprimand stemmed from a press release following Paden’s sentencing in which Zahnd identified members of the Dearborn community who had asked the judge to be lenient with Paden.
    — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of lenient
Adjective
  • And in many cases, the brand’s modern reissues are actually downgraded with less cushioning and lower quality materials as cost-cutting measures.
    — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of cushioning

Browse Nearby Words

emitting
emollient
emolument
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Cite this Entry

“Emollient.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/emollient. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on emollient

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about emollient

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