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
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
Acting as a deeply hydrating treatment, this formula softens and soothes the skin like a dream.
—
Denise Primbet, Glamour, 5 Mar. 2025
Notes of sandalwood, seaweed, amber, and sea salt get a bit of a masculine edge from fir that’s then softened with feminine rose, all of which sit very close to the skin.
—Emily Orofino, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025
The new tariffs on Canada and Mexico had previously been on a monthlong pause, and many critics hoped that they would be softened, or eliminated, before their deadline to resume.
—Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2025
The European Union’s decision to soften its automotive carbon dioxide emissions rules was greeted with derision by environmentalists and sighs of relief by the industry.
—Neil Winton, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for soften
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Denise Primbet, Glamour, 5 Mar. 2025
Notes of sandalwood, seaweed, amber, and sea salt get a bit of a masculine edge from fir that’s then softened with feminine rose, all of which sit very close to the skin.
—Emily Orofino, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025
The new tariffs on Canada and Mexico had previously been on a monthlong pause, and many critics hoped that they would be softened, or eliminated, before their deadline to resume.
—Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2025
The European Union’s decision to soften its automotive carbon dioxide emissions rules was greeted with derision by environmentalists and sighs of relief by the industry.
—Neil Winton, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for soften
Articles Related to soften
Cite this Entry
“Soften.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soften. Accessed 12 Mar. 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
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