soften

[saw-fuhn, sof-uhn]

verb (used with object)

1. to make soft or softer.

   Synonyms: ease, quiet, calm, alleviate, soothe, mitigate, mollify, melt
   Antonyms: harden

verb (used without object)

1. to become soft or softer.

   Antonyms: harden

soften

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• oversoften verb
• resoften verb
• unsoftening adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of soften¹

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

Example Sentences

The Tylenol press conference was such a political disaster that other Dr. Mehmet Oz, a TV doctor who now heads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, was deployed to soften the message.

From Salon

For an offense usually predicated on a disciplined daily approach and ability to work quality at-bats, there were long stretches of the season in which that edge would seemingly soften.

From Los Angeles Times

Six of the MPs have now rejoined Labour, which has softened its stance on the cap in recent months.

From BBC

Even a former Kentucky district attorney, who brags that he “got a lot of attaboys” for partnering with NBC, softens his tough talk while watching outtakes of a soft-spoken and seemingly very confused arrestee.

From Los Angeles Times

The extra emphasis on design, against the odds, softens the landing in each neighborhood, he adds.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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