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
Grey walls are softened with light-wood chevron floors, and the interiors play with colors and textures.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 May 2026
The onions and peppers blister and soften while keeping their texture, and the shrimp develop deep color in just a couple of minutes.
—Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 May 2026
Light denim washes soften core silhouettes, balanced by structured bomber jackets that pull in New York City streetwear reference.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 18 May 2026
Single or attached, this energy encourages you to soften your guard and let people meet the real you.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for soften
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 May 2026
The onions and peppers blister and soften while keeping their texture, and the shrimp develop deep color in just a couple of minutes.
—Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 May 2026
Light denim washes soften core silhouettes, balanced by structured bomber jackets that pull in New York City streetwear reference.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 18 May 2026
Single or attached, this energy encourages you to soften your guard and let people meet the real you.
—Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for soften
Cite this Entry
“Soften.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soften. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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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