soften up
phrasal verb
softened up; softening up; softens up
1
: to treat (someone) very well or kindly in order to make that person more likely to help one, give one something, etc.
He tried to soften her up by buying her flowers.
2
: to weaken (an enemy) through military attacks
They used artillery to soften up the enemy's defenses before launching a full-scale attack.
Examples of soften up in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The fresh shape also softens up the look of the frame from a visual perspective, but improves aerodynamics, making Clash V3 sleeker and faster through the air.
—
Tim Newcomb, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Regardless, things are going to soften up in June as you get set free in the direction of safety and clarity.
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Dec. 2024
Notre Dame’s hosting bid stays on track Notre Dame probably didn’t need to win with much style against Army after losses by Indiana and Ole Miss earlier in the day softened up the field of at-large hopefuls.
—Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 23 Nov. 2024
While the Dolphins’ schedule softens up considerably, with a .395 opponent win percentage over the final eight games, the Broncos, also play a weak sked over their next six games, with a .421.
—Steve Svekis, Sun Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2024
This one softened up a multipurpose guest room/office that’s frequented by cats who enjoy clawing the furniture, a.k.a.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Nov. 2024
Linen is also strong and durable, softening up (slowly) after each wash without becoming thinner or weaker.
—Nena Farrell, WIRED, 20 Nov. 2024
The Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39 softens up the biker-chic look with its relaxed silhouette.
—Claire Sullivan, WWD, 8 Oct. 2024
Step 5: Behar recommends letting this sit for at least 15-20 minutes to soften up the debris and make scrubbing easier.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 2024
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Tim Newcomb, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
Regardless, things are going to soften up in June as you get set free in the direction of safety and clarity.
—Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Dec. 2024
Notre Dame’s hosting bid stays on track Notre Dame probably didn’t need to win with much style against Army after losses by Indiana and Ole Miss earlier in the day softened up the field of at-large hopefuls.
—Pete Sampson, The Athletic, 23 Nov. 2024
While the Dolphins’ schedule softens up considerably, with a .395 opponent win percentage over the final eight games, the Broncos, also play a weak sked over their next six games, with a .421.
—Steve Svekis, Sun Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2024
This one softened up a multipurpose guest room/office that’s frequented by cats who enjoy clawing the furniture, a.k.a.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 20 Nov. 2024
Linen is also strong and durable, softening up (slowly) after each wash without becoming thinner or weaker.
—Nena Farrell, WIRED, 20 Nov. 2024
The Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39 softens up the biker-chic look with its relaxed silhouette.
—Claire Sullivan, WWD, 8 Oct. 2024
Step 5: Behar recommends letting this sit for at least 15-20 minutes to soften up the debris and make scrubbing easier.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 16 Aug. 2024
Dictionary Entries Near soften up
Cite this Entry
“Soften up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soften%20up. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
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