1. a substance added to water or laundry to make fabrics feel softer and reduce static
2. a device or system that removes minerals from hard water
3. something that makes another thing less harsh, severe, or rigid

Examples

• Add fabric softener to the final rinse cycle for softer clothes.
• The water softener removes calcium and magnesium from our tap water.
• We installed a new water softener in the basement.
• This fabric softener leaves a fresh scent on the laundry.
• The harsh criticism needed a softener to make it more constructive.
• Without a softener, the towels feel rough and scratchy.
• The water softener needs salt refills every few months.