soften

"We need immigration to soften enough that housing has a chance to catch up," he said, while stressing the housing shortage was not caused by migrants.

From Barron's ● Sep. 17, 2026

So please, just fight for the things that crack light into your life, fight for the things that soften you.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2026

Sabalenka hoped to soften the blow of losing the top ranking by winning a third consecutive US Open title - but looked fraught in a tense performance.

From BBC ● Sep. 12, 2026

The fifth episode’s title, “Riches of Embarrassment,” is derived from a halftime rallying speech Ted delivers to soften the sting of Alice calling their first-half performance embarrassing.

From Salon ● Sep. 10, 2026

Though wary of this sudden about-face, Ronald Reagan seemed willing to soften his rhetoric and take a new look at US-Soviet relations.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau

She also noted that as the diamond sector softens, shoppers have become more interested in colored gems.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 15, 2026

Add the onion and remaining corn and cook over medium-low until the onion softens.

From Salon ● Aug. 16, 2026

The album was preceded in May by “Rough and Twisted,” a wandering blues number with riffs like barbed wire, and “In the Stars,” which softens arena rock with polished backing vocals.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 6, 2026

The “falling backwards” Daphne experiences in Eddie’s company — traversing time — soothes, softens and delights her.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 2, 2026

When he speaks, Meng’s voice softens and trembles as he tries to reassure Ma and Pa that everything is okay at the camp.

From "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" by Loung Ung

It’s found in a softened honey butter alongside house-made focaccia and sourdough.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 17, 2026

The Hormuz shock was softened by a huge release of stockpiled oil, most importantly in the U.S. and China.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 17, 2026

"I don't know whether it's softened me, but it certainly made me more aware of my own innate softness."

From Barron's ● Sep. 14, 2026

Though spending power in the south of England is impacted by higher housing costs compared to the north, the hit to households on average is softened by higher incomes and the divide remains, researchers said.

From BBC ● Sep. 2, 2026

“Birds in their little nests agree,” sang Beth, the peacemaker, with such a funny face that both sharp voices softened to a laugh, and the “pecking” ended for that time.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

“Elevated mortgage rates, softening labor market conditions, tariff-driven construction-cost pressures, higher energy prices and persistent geopolitical uncertainty are collectively weighing on housing activity — spanning construction, sales, affordability and mortgage performance,” the ratings agency said.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 14, 2026

Likewise, movement from strong disagreement towards ordinary disagreement may signal a softening of attitudes even when overall disagreement remains high.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 9, 2026

A.I.’s most famous people have habits of making big, bold assertions about the technology and then softening them over time.

From Slate ● Sep. 1, 2026

With a slight fall also expected in manufacturing trade, it points to some softening in the economy to start the third quarter.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 2026

All in all, he seems a beast utterly untouched by the softening influences of modern civilization.

From "Native Son" by Richard Wright