verb
- Make (images or sounds) soft or softer.
- synonyms: soften
- Lessen in force or effect.
- usage: "soften a shock"; "break a fall"
- Give in, as to influence or pressure.
- Protect from impact.
- usage: "cushion the blow"
- Make less severe or harsh.
- usage: "He moderated his tone when the students burst out in tears"
- Make soft or softer.
- usage: "This liquid will soften your laundry"
- synonyms: soften
- Become soft or softer.
- usage: "The bread will soften if you pour some liquid on it"
- synonyms: soften
adjective
WordNet 3.0 © 2006 by Princeton University
| APA | WordNet. (2010). softened. Retrieved September 20, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/softened/definitions/1183907 |
| Chicago | WordNet. 2010. "softened" http://smartdefine.org/softened/definitions/1183907 (accessed September 20, 2026). |
| Harvard | WordNet 2010, softened, Smart Define, viewed 20 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/softened/definitions/1183907>. |
| MLA | WordNet. "softened" 23 October 2010. Web. 20 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/softened/definitions/1183907> |