1 soften | Definition of soften

soften

verb
soft·​en | \ ˈsȯ-fən How to pronounce soften (audio) \
softened; softening\ ˈsȯ-​fə-​niŋ How to pronounce softening (audio) , ˈsȯf-​niŋ \

Definition of soften

transitive verb

1 : to make soft or softer
2a : 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

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from soften

softener \ ˈsȯ-​fə-​nər How to pronounce softener (audio) , ˈsȯf-​nər \ noun

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.
See More

Recent Examples on the Web

As momentum builds to transform middle school, here are seven ways parents and educators can work within the existing model to better address tweens’ distinct needs and soften their journey. — Phyllis Fagell, Washington Post, "Seven ways parents and educators can improve kids’ middle school experience," 5 Sep. 2019 Assemble the pie: Let the chocolate ice cream soften on the counter for about 10 minutes. — Daniela Galarza, The Denver Post, "This stunning dessert is everything you love about banana splits, but in pie form," 4 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'soften.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of soften

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

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for soften

soften

verb

English Language Learners Definition of soften

: to become less hard or firm or to make (something) less hard or firm
: to make (something) less dry or rough
: to make (something) less severe, harsh, extreme, etc.

soften

verb
soft·​en | \ ˈsȯ-fən How to pronounce soften (audio) \
softened; softening

Kids Definition of soften

1 : to make or become soft or less firm Let the wax soften in the sun.
2 : to make or become gentler or less harsh The elder's stern expression softened.— Brian Jacques, Redwall

Other Words from soften

softener noun

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on soften

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with soften

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for soften

Spanish Central: Translation of soften

Nglish: Translation of soften for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of soften for Arabic Speakers

×

You're never
too cool to learn something new.

Sign up for our Word of the Day
daily newsletter!