soften
verb (used with object)
was softening
-
past progressiveof soften.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
For much of last year, the Fed’s debate centered on whether the labor market was softening and whether precautionary cuts were needed to prevent a sharper slowdown.
From Barron's ● Feb. 12, 2026
“Before, we thought that things were slowing down, the labor market was softening, wage and price inflation was coming down.”
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 28, 2023
Also helping investor sentiment were signs from China that the country was softening its stance on COVID-19 restrictions as several cities in the world's second-largest economy lift district lockdowns even as cases rise.
From Reuters ● Dec. 1, 2022
Nevertheless, as Christmas drew near, the UK was showing signs it was softening its stance in some areas.
From BBC ● Jan. 12, 2022
Wynn offered Nan a seat, and I hoped all this princess treatment was softening her opinion of Hope Springs.
From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry
