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1. Make (images or sounds) soft or softer
    
2. Lessen in force or effect
   "soften a shock"
   - dampen, damp, weaken, break
    
3. Give in, as to influence or pressure
   - yield, relent
    
4. Protect from impact
   - cushion, buffer
    
5. Make less severe or harsh
   - mince, moderate
    
6. Make soft or softer
   "This liquid will soften your laundry"
    
7. Become soft or softer
   "The bread will soften if you pour some liquid on it"

Derived forms: softens, softening, softened

See also: softener, softening

Type of: alter, blunt, change, change intensity, deaden, modify

Antonym: harden, sharpen

Encyclopedia: Soften