soften
verb (used with object)
has been softening
-
present perfect progressiveof soften (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The airline group, which also counts Iberia and Aer Lingus as part of its portfolio, has been softening its capacity expectations as conflict in the Middle East continues to weigh on flight volumes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026
Certainly, the old guard’s longstanding bias against streamers has been softening since Netflix pulled out the stops campaigning for Alfonso Cuarón’s “Roma” two years ago.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 23, 2021
John Sudworth: "The release of this video may be designed to show China has been softening its stance... or perhaps merely to give that impression"
From BBC ● Jan. 28, 2015
For example, while Merkel's conservatives are largely skeptical of Turkey's prospects of joining the EU, France under the Socialist Hollande has been softening its stance towards Ankara.
From Reuters ● Jan. 21, 2014
By regular gradations ever since his tone has been softening and his range widening.
From The Function of the Poet and Other Essays by James Russell Lowell
