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
Add bell peppers to pan; cook until peppers just start to soften, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes.
—
Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 2 May 2025
New car sales surged ahead of the imposition of tariffs and fears of higher consumer prices as a result, and the Trump administration softened the blow from its trade war on automakers by reducing levies on certain auto components.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 2025
Grief can soften us and deepen our empathy or bring on rage and isolation.
—Friends Of Karen, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
The satellite broadcaster is unique in its dependence on cars, where most people listen to the service, amid punishing tariffs by the Trump administration on autos and auto parts, although the president recently softened the hit.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for soften
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Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 2 May 2025
New car sales surged ahead of the imposition of tariffs and fears of higher consumer prices as a result, and the Trump administration softened the blow from its trade war on automakers by reducing levies on certain auto components.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 2025
Grief can soften us and deepen our empathy or bring on rage and isolation.
—Friends Of Karen, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
The satellite broadcaster is unique in its dependence on cars, where most people listen to the service, amid punishing tariffs by the Trump administration on autos and auto parts, although the president recently softened the hit.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 1 May 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 13 May. 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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