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
Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables and fruit are softened and start to turn golden, about 15 minutes.
—
Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024
The decrease is attributed to market conditions softening and the loss of customers.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Wyler’s squint of discomfort with Penn’s manipulations soon softens into a look of impressed awe, her eyes no longer judgmental but adoring.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6-7 minutes, being sure to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
—Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for soften 
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Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024
The decrease is attributed to market conditions softening and the loss of customers.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Wyler’s squint of discomfort with Penn’s manipulations soon softens into a look of impressed awe, her eyes no longer judgmental but adoring.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2024
Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6-7 minutes, being sure to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
—Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 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 26 Nov. 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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