soften

verb

soft·​en ˈsȯ-fən 

softened; softening ˈsȯ-fə-niŋ 

ˈsȯf-niŋ

transitive verb

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

intransitive verb

: to become soft or softer

her face softened

softener

ˈsȯ-fə-nər 

ˈsȯf-nər

noun

Synonyms

• debilitate
• devitalize
• enervate
• enfeeble
• etiolate
• prostrate
• sap
• tire
• waste
• weaken

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

Following the death of her makeup artist, Alexis Vogel, in 2019, who lost her battle with breast cancer, Anderson says her look softened. —Caroline Thayer, Fox News, 3 Dec. 2024

The body oil also contains a caffeine-and-algae complex to help soften your skin and increase brightness. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 2 Dec. 2024

In recent years, the approach of the Gulf states to Assad has softened, with the UAE indicating that there are pathways to peace that do not require Assad's removal. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2024

When the dryness levels hit critical mass, the Indigo line is here to soften and soothe. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing soften

• cushion/soften the blow
• soften up

Kids 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

softener

ˈsȯf-(ə-)nər 

noun