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
Cát Bà Island, Vietnam My memories of Cát Bà Island are faded Polaroids, worn and softened at the edges.
—
Alexandra Gillespie, Outside Online, 16 Dec. 2024
Outlander producer breaks down season 7 return, Roger's shocking discovery
Jamie softens and, finally, gets it.
—Lincee Ray, EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024
This hybrid shower oil builds into a gentle lather, smoothes and softens skin with squalane, and is made of 50% glycerin, a humectant that helps draw water into the skin.
—Deanna Pai, Allure, 13 Dec. 2024
Advertisement The four-week average of weekly claims, which softens some of the week-to-week volatility, rose by nearly 6,000 to 224,250.
—Matt Ott, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for soften 
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Alexandra Gillespie, Outside Online, 16 Dec. 2024
Outlander producer breaks down season 7 return, Roger's shocking discovery
Jamie softens and, finally, gets it.
—Lincee Ray, EW.com, 14 Dec. 2024
This hybrid shower oil builds into a gentle lather, smoothes and softens skin with squalane, and is made of 50% glycerin, a humectant that helps draw water into the skin.
—Deanna Pai, Allure, 13 Dec. 2024
Advertisement The four-week average of weekly claims, which softens some of the week-to-week volatility, rose by nearly 6,000 to 224,250.
—Matt Ott, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 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 22 Dec. 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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