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Softening

To make something soft or softer.

📖 Definitions of "Softening"

verb
  1. 1

    To make something soft or softer.

    "Soften the butter before beating in the sugar."

  2. 2

    To undermine the morale of someone (often soften up).

    "Before the invasion, we softened up the enemy with the artillery."

  3. 3

    To make less harsh

    "Having second thoughts, I softened my criticism."

  4. 4

    To become soft or softer

    "The butter softened as it warmed up."

🔄 Synonyms of "Softening"

4 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.

WordDefinition
softnounEasily giving way under pressure.
emollientnounSomething which softens or lubricates the skin; moisturizer.
demulcentnoun(also figuratively) Soothing or softening.
salvinghaving a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin

💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "Softening"

Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.

WordDefinition
softnounEasily giving way under pressure.
demulcentnoun(also figuratively) Soothing or softening.
emollientnounSomething which softens or lubricates the skin; moisturizer.
salvinghaving a softening or soothing effect especially to the skin
softnessnounThe quality of being soft.
relaxingnounConducive to relaxation; helping one to relax.
relievingnounThat brings relief.
easingnounThe act by which something is eased.
alleviationnounthe act of reducing pain or anything else unpleasant; easement
allayingnounAn allayment.
relaxationnounThe act of relaxing or the state of being relaxed; the opposite of stress or tension; the aim of recreation and leisure activities.
mitigationnounA reduction or decrease of something harmful or unpleasant.
reliefnounThe removal of stress or discomfort.
easenounLack of difficulty; the ability to do something easily.
mitigatingThat serves to mitigate.
laxitynounThe state of being lax; looseness, lack of tension.
let-upnounAlternative form of letup. [A pause or period of slackening.]
lesseningnounA growing lesser; reduction or decrease.
slowdownnounA reduction in speed, or a decrease in the level of production, economic activity, etc.
slowingnounA deceleration; a slowing down.

🎨 Adjectives for "Softening"

Popular adjectives used to describe this word in books.

🏷️ Nouns for "Softening"

Common nouns this word is used to describe.

📝 Common Phrases with "Softening"

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