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

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.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The International Energy Agency is currently assessing whether tapping reserves of oil further is needed to soften the blow from spiking prices.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

And then, to soften things: “I wouldn’t have gone back to the Dannenbergs’ if you hadn’t suggested the idea of paying for the headstone,” I tell him.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse