soften

American  

[saw-fuhn, sof-uhn] / ˈsɔ fən, ˈsɒf ən /

verb (used with object)

1. to make soft or softer.

   Synonyms:

   ease , quiet , calm , alleviate , soothe , mitigate , mollify , melt

   Antonyms:

   harden

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verb (used without object)

1. to become soft or softer.

   Antonyms:

   harden

soften British  

/ ˈsɒfən /

verb

1. to make or become soft or softer

2. to make or become gentler

3. (intr) commerce

   1. (of demand, a market, etc) to weaken

   2. (of a price) to fall

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Other Word Forms

• oversoften verb
• resoften verb
• unsoftening adjective

Etymology

Origin of soften

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; soft, -en ¹

Example Sentences

Kiffin, wearing a plaid top that appeared stolen from the Brady Bunch wardrobe closet, softened the tone of his departing statement, now saying he respected Ole Miss’s decision to exclude him from playoff coaching.

From The Wall Street Journal

But he said he had already started to address issues, such as softening U.S. sales, by adding new products and slashing production cycles, before Wilson went public with his criticisms.

From The Wall Street Journal

“The lending data and Nationwide survey could “show a softening in housing market conditions, as affordability concerns may have mounted ahead of Wednesday’s budget, dampening demand,” Investec economist Lottie Gosling said in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal

Now, some are questioning whether they can sell what they have, amid concerns about a softening economy.

From MarketWatch

That said, investors have softened their views in recent weeks.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• abate
• alleviate
• cushion
• diminish
• dissolve
• ease
• lessen
• lighten
• lower
• mellow
• melt
• mitigate
• moderate
• modify
• relax
• relent
• temper
• thaw
• tone down
• weaken