soften
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
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to make or become soft or softer
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to make or become gentler
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(intr) commerce
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(of demand, a market, etc) to weaken
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(of a price) to fall
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Other Word Forms
- oversoften verb
- resoften verb
- unsoftening adjective
Etymology
Origin of soften
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.
The International Energy Agency is currently assessing whether tapping reserves of oil further is needed to soften the blow from spiking prices.
From MarketWatch
Even if businesses or consumers stumble, the federal government can usually soften the blow by boosting spending, cutting taxes or bailing out the financial system.
Banks may build provisions before improving later, while consumer demand could soften, they say, and prefer more defensive names for now.
He says that the effect of higher fuel prices is softened by the better fuel economy of modern vehicles, adding that car buyers have become less vulnerable to price volatility.
However, she says, her sister's view – like that of several other Iranians the BBC has heard from - has softened as the attacks have continued.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
