Meaning & use

Softened

verb·Everyday

Last updated

Made or became less hard, harsh, severe, or intense.

See it in a sentence

The butter softened quickly once it was left out on the counter.

Her tone softened as soon as she saw how upset he was.

A note on using this word

The word applies equally to physical texture and to emotional tone, attitude, or impact.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

hardenedtoughened

Make it your own

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