soften

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

These included suspending duties on all imports with the exception of those from Russia and Belarus and adjusting the carbon border tax to soften its impact, she said.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Even if businesses or consumers stumble, the federal government can usually soften the blow by boosting spending, cutting taxes or bailing out the financial system.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The International Energy Agency is currently assessing whether tapping reserves of oil further is needed to soften the blow from spiking prices.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

Kebede said schools would struggle to fund an increase in teachers' pay of even 2% next year from their budgets, and the inclusion fund would "merely soften the blow of underfunding".

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

I bit into a hard biscuit, hoping I had enough spit to soften it up.

From "Moon Over Manifest" by Clare Vanderpool