soften

verb

soft·​en ˈsȯ-fən How to pronounce soften (audio)
softened; softening ˈsȯ-fə-niŋ How to pronounce soften (audio)
ˈsȯf-niŋ
Synonyms of softennext

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 How to pronounce soften (audio)
ˈsȯf-nər
noun

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Reduce heat to medium, and cook, uncovered, until vegetables soften slightly, 8 to 10 minutes. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 17 Mar. 2025 The data, released by the Census Bureau, will offer a look at how Americans spent their money during a month in which consumer confidence was softening amid tariff uncertainty. — Kevin Stankiewicz,matthew J. Belvedere, CNBC, 16 Mar. 2025 Your desire to stay in control and manage every detail related to your world will soften. — Georgia Nicols, The Denver Post, 14 Mar. 2025 Having a bite to eat along with your latte or mocha may help slow down the rate at which the caffeine is absorbed by your body, softening the impact. — Caroline Tien, SELF, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for soften

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of soften was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing soften

Rhymes for soften

See All Rhymes for soften

Browse Nearby Words

soften
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Cite this Entry

“Soften.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soften. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

soften

verb
soft·​en ˈsȯ-fən How to pronounce soften (audio)
softened; softening ˈsȯf-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce soften (audio)
1
: to make or become soft or softer
2
: to lessen the strength of
softener
ˈsȯf-(ə-)nər How to pronounce soften (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on soften

Nglish: Translation of soften for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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