1. makes or becomes less hard, firm, or rigid
2. makes or becomes less harsh, severe, or intense
3. makes someone more sympathetic or less resistant

Examples

• The butter softens quickly at room temperature.
• Rain softens the hard ground in spring.
• Her voice softens when she talks to children.
• The harsh lighting softens with the new lampshades.
• His stern expression softens into a smile.
• Time softens even the deepest grief.
• The teacher’s approach softens the most difficult students.