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
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
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 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
The waffle side, which was originally a little rougher, softened up a bit post-wash.
—Kathleen Felton, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Sep. 2024
The market has already been softened up a bit by the belief that the job market is slowing .
—Bob Pisani, CNBC, 6 Sep. 2024
Then, apply that paste directly to the baking sheet.
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
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.
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
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 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
The waffle side, which was originally a little rougher, softened up a bit post-wash.
—Kathleen Felton, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Sep. 2024
The market has already been softened up a bit by the belief that the job market is slowing .
—Bob Pisani, CNBC, 6 Sep. 2024
Then, apply that paste directly to the baking sheet.
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 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share