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 hurt and humiliation behind Hally’s eyes allow us to adopt Sam’s sympathetic attitude toward the boy, even as Beatty refuses to soften the character’s wrathful entitlement.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

These included suspending duties on all imports with the exception of those from Russia and Belarus and adjusting the carbon border tax to soften its impact, she said.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Add red pepper flakes and dried oregano, letting them bloom in the fat just long enough to wake up—fragrant, a little toasty, the edges of their flavor beginning to soften and deepen.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2026

Banks may build provisions before improving later, while consumer demand could soften, they say, and prefer more defensive names for now.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

I wonder if it’ll ever be enough to thaw the freeze, or if the ice will just soften for a moment, then harden again.

From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen