softening

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.

Average hourly wages for permanent employees rose 3.2% on a year earlier, softening from the 4.8% advance the month before and below the 4.6% rise economists expected.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Parts of the jewelry market appear to be softening, and people are, understandably, more security-conscious about where they wear their watches and rocks.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

Everlane’s popularity declined after the COVID-19 pandemic and the softening of the e-commerce boom in the 2020s.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

Scientists refer to this effect as "spectral softening."

From Science Daily • May 14, 2026

Their words melt into the sound of water lapping against children—the steamy Accra air softening even the crisp cadences of their accents.

From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins