soften

Near-term earnings are likely to remain sensitive to oil-price normalization after exceptionally strong 1H results, while the rise in all-in costs could soften operating leverage, it says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026

He will attempt to civilize them, and they will soften him.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 27, 2026

Studies show that when you put all three together, he noted, the extremes tend to soften.

From Slate ● Aug. 26, 2026

He gives her novels to soften the blow, as she loves to read.

From Barron's ● Aug. 11, 2026

I wonder if it’ll ever be enough to thaw the freeze, or if the ice will just soften for a moment, then harden again.

From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen

Buying equity stakes rather than owning depreciating fleets softens that, but the line between “demand layer” and “co-investor in hardware” thins with each deal.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 24, 2026

Instead of carving away tissue like LASIK, the method temporarily softens the cornea so it can be gently molded into a new shape.

From Science Daily ● May 28, 2026

The bread itself naturally softens and rounds everything out, so you don’t need an alarming amount to make it feel indulgent.

From Salon ● May 25, 2026

“If Chinese demand softens, metals may lose their growth signal,” says eToro.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 19, 2026

As my heart calms down, as my breath softens, I get up to work on my altar.

From "American Street" by Ibi Zoboi

Demand for its extended-range EVs has softened as some buyers held off purchases ahead of model upgrades, while its push into the battery EV market hasn’t had the same traction.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026

And though Fred had wanted his son to pursue an education, he softened his stance, supporting Freddie’s dream.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 25, 2026

Recent labour market concerns have also softened expectations for a rate increase, after July's report showed a loss of jobs.

From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2026

Rather than fully melting the metals, both methods softened them enough to form and deposit the cemented carbide.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 4, 2026

It was not blond, like Miss Mortimer’s, but a once-vivid auburn that had been softened by time, with strands of silver running through.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

She did this countless times across her decades of unwavering support for the queer community, softening and sharpening her humor according to the severity of whatever topic she waded into.

From Salon ● Aug. 28, 2026

At the last couple of races before the summer break, which is brought to an end by this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix, a softening of Verstappen's tone in F1 was discernible.

From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026

Rather than softening the edge that helps define Monk, this strategy highlights another essential Monk characteristic: an air of mystery.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 19, 2026

Since the pandemic recovery, the unemployment rate for recent college graduates ages 22 to 27 has been elevated compared with the rate overall, pointing to softening demand for educated entry-level workers.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 19, 2026

I ran my middle finger along the edge, softening the harsh line.

From "Between Shades of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys