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soften

[ saw-fuhn, sof-uhn ]

/ ˈsɔ fən, ˈsɒf ən /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR soften ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to make soft or softer.

verb (used without object)

to become soft or softer.

Origin of soften

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; see origin at soft, -en¹

SYNONYMS FOR soften

1 melt; mollify, mitigate, soothe, alleviate, calm, quiet, ease.

SEE SYNONYMS FOR soften ON THESAURUS.COM

ANTONYMS FOR soften

1, 2 harden.

SEE ANTONYMS FOR soften ON THESAURUS.COM

OTHER WORDS FROM soften

o·ver·soft·en, verb re·sof·ten, verb un·soft·en·ing, adjective

Words nearby soften

softback, softball, softballer, softboard, softbound, soften, soften up, softener, softening of the brain, softhearted, softie

Example sentences from the Web for soften

Cover with plastic wrap and allow the dates to soften, about 15 minutes.

Make ‘The Chew’s’ Carla Hall’s Sticky Toffee Pudding |Carla Hall |December 28, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
But now, facing a tough re-election, Walker is trying to soften his rhetoric.

Women Voters Haunted by the GOP's Tricks |Sally Kohn |October 31, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Russia did not only rely on Ketchum to soften its image in the West.

Confessions of a Putin Spin Doctor |Eli Lake |March 11, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Indeed, after the end of a relationships, there are many reasons to turn to sex to soften the blow.

People Who Have Had Rebound Sex Tell Us Why It Is Awesome |Emily Shire |January 31, 2014 |DAILY BEAST

There are hints that a behind-the-scenes strategy to soften the blame put on the Portuguese is already underway.

Investigation Into Madeleine McCann Disappearance Reopened in Portugal |Barbie Latza Nadeau |October 24, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
Sandford observed it, and was all humbleness, both in his words and looks, in order to soften him.

A Simple Story |Mrs. Inchbald
Robert guessed it all, and whatever remorseful love could do to soften such a strain and burden he tried to do.

Robert Elsmere |Mrs. Humphry Ward
You might say a little prayer for her, that God will help us to be kind to her, and soften her heart.'

The Two Sides of the Shield |Charlotte M. Yonge
Soften it with a little powdered borax, or a handful of oatmeal.

Cupology |Clara
"Life-saving seems to soften the heart," she reflected, grimly, conscious as always of her own reactions.

Dangerous Ages |Rose Macaulay

British Dictionary definitions for soften

soften

/ (ˈsɒfən) /

verb

to make or become soft or softer

to make or become gentler

(intr) commerce

(of demand, a market, etc) to weaken
(of a price) to fall