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
plural -s
: one that softens: such as
a
: a worker who softens hides, skins, or leather usually by immersing or tumbling them in water
b
: a textile worker who waxes thread and yarn
c
: a machine or apparatus in which something is softened
d
: a substance added to something (such as hard water, molten iron, or rubber in the process of manufacture) to make it soft, malleable, or plastic compare plasticizer
Examples of soften in a Sentence
Verb
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
Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
Pisces February 19 – March 20 Your ease gives other people permission to soften too.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
February 19 – March 20 Your ease gives other people permission to soften too.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2026
Joy added that baking soda can also soften the beans' outer skins, helping break down some of the barriers that make beans harder for the body to digest.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for soften
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show current usage.
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Verb
The actor, 56, played Kenny, the burnout brother who softened to family life over an unforgettable summer.
—Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
Pisces February 19 – March 20 Your ease gives other people permission to soften too.
—Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2026
February 19 – March 20 Your ease gives other people permission to soften too.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2026
Joy added that baking soda can also soften the beans' outer skins, helping break down some of the barriers that make beans harder for the body to digest.
—Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 8 June 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 15 Jun. 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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