softener

American  

[saw-fuh-ner, sof-uh-] / ˈsɔ fə nər, ˈsɒf ə- /

noun

1. Chemistry.

   1. any admixture to a substance for promoting or increasing its softness, smoothness, or plasticity.

   2. water softener.

2. a person or thing that softens.

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ˈsoftener British  

/ ˈsɒfənə /

noun

1. a substance added to another substance to increase its softness, pliability, or plasticity

2. a substance, such as a zeolite, for softening water

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Etymology

Origin of softener

First recorded in 1600–10; soften + -er ¹

Example Sentences

He then adds vinegar to save on additives like softener.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

She’d never planned to do TV or film, but when an advertising executive approached her one night after she’d performed an ensemble role in “Gypsy,” she soon booked TV ads for fabric softener and diapers.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2024

Laundry detergent, fabric softener, fabric shampoo and conditioners and other cleaning products from the brand produced between January 2021 and September 2022 were recalled, the U.S.

From New York Times • Dec. 3, 2022

I reached out to the company that installed our water softener and purification system.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 4, 2022

My sister’s bed still smells like her—fabric softener, lavender lotion, and her warm and sweet human scent I can’t describe.

From "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Erika L. Sánchez