WordWeb Online

1. The process of becoming softer
   "refrigeration delayed the softening of the fruit"; "he observed the softening of iron by heat"
    
2. An occurrence of control or strength weakening
   - relaxation, loosening, slackening

1. Having a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin
   - demulcent, emollient, salving

1. Make soft or softer
   "This liquid will soften your laundry"
    
2. Become soft or softer
   "The bread will soften if you pour some liquid on it"
    
3. Make less severe or harsh
   "He softened his tone when the students burst out in tears";
   - mince, moderate, mod [informal]
    
4. Lessen in force or effect
   "soften a shock";
   - dampen, damp, weaken, break
    
5. Give in, as to influence or pressure
   - yield, relent
    
6. Protect from impact
   "soften the blow";
   - cushion, buffer
    
7. Become less severe or strict
   - relax, loosen
    
8. Make (images or sounds) soft or softer

Derived forms: softenings

See also: soft

Type of: action, activity, alter, blunt, change, change intensity, deaden, modify, natural action, natural process, weakening

Antonym: indurate, sharpen

Encyclopedia: Softening