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 Words From

• over·soften verb
• re·soften verb
• un·soften·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of soften¹

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; soft, -en ¹

Example Sentences

A bid by the department for rural affairs to soften changes to inheritance tax for farms - possibly by exempting some older farmers - has been rejected by the Treasury.

From BBC

Trump will almost certainly replace Gensler and has promised to soften federal oversight of cryptocurrency.

From Los Angeles Times

That leaves some wondering if Trump may soften his negative stance toward EVs.

From Los Angeles Times

That export growth has helped soften the blow to China's economy of the ongoing property crisis.

From BBC

Republicans have sought to soften such sentiment by describing it more as campaign rhapsodizing than actual intent.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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