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

The firm is considering ways to soften the impact of tariffs by adjusting its supply chain and cutting costs, though changes will take time, he told analysts.

From BBC

Of course, the prospect of leaving next season on a free transfer, and the lucrative wealth that accompanies that scenario, will soften the blow.

From BBC

It’s reasonable to think that the president’s God and heaven talk is an attempt to soften his cruel image and to make his vengeful policies more palatable.

From Salon

Arriving Thursday on Netflix, the film version — not the miniseries some hoped for — offers a more or less straight plow through the book, though streamlined, simplified and softened.

From Los Angeles Times

But spurring long-pending tax reforms that immediately put more money into the hands of people could help the government soften some of the blow, experts say.

From BBC

Related Words

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