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
That helps to soften some of the graphic imagery, but the director says his primary intent was to allow viewers to experience the perspectives of kids.
—
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 21 Feb. 2025
Following weeks of negotiations, during which DeSantis seemed to soften his attacks on the lawmakers who opposed his plans, the governor signed the sweeping package of immigration laws on February 13.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025
John leaned in with a more sympathetic tone, attempting to soften the blow of Ben’s harsh words.
—Javier Hasse, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
On Wednesday, water commission members said the millions left over from the Los Vaqueros expansion project could help soften construction cost increases due to inflation in recent years on some or all of the six remaining projects.
—Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for soften 
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.
Matthew Carey, Deadline, 21 Feb. 2025
Following weeks of negotiations, during which DeSantis seemed to soften his attacks on the lawmakers who opposed his plans, the governor signed the sweeping package of immigration laws on February 13.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 20 Feb. 2025
John leaned in with a more sympathetic tone, attempting to soften the blow of Ben’s harsh words.
—Javier Hasse, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
On Wednesday, water commission members said the millions left over from the Los Vaqueros expansion project could help soften construction cost increases due to inflation in recent years on some or all of the six remaining projects.
—Paul Rogers, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025
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 26 Feb. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share