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

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.

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“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.

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

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

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

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Related Words

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