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
Synonyms
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
Stir occasionally for about three minutes, until the onion starts to glisten and soften.
—
Claudia Alexander, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Add the garlic and rosemary sprig and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent and carrots are beginning to soften, 5 to 8 minutes.
—Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 6 Nov. 2024
In her case, their reconciliation was part reckoning and part softening.
—Fortesa Latifi, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
Cook 3 minutes until beginning to soften. Add meat and brown:
Add ground lamb or beef, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring and breaking up the meat until brown and crumbly, about 6-8 minutes.
—Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for soften 
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Claudia Alexander, The Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2024
Add the garlic and rosemary sprig and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent and carrots are beginning to soften, 5 to 8 minutes.
—Kelly Brant, arkansasonline.com, 6 Nov. 2024
In her case, their reconciliation was part reckoning and part softening.
—Fortesa Latifi, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
Cook 3 minutes until beginning to soften. Add meat and brown:
Add ground lamb or beef, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring and breaking up the meat until brown and crumbly, about 6-8 minutes.
—Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for soften
Articles Related to soften
Dictionary Entries Near soften
Cite this Entry
“Soften.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soften. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
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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