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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012