Collocations for soften - verb
1. become/make sth softer/gentler
ADV.
considerably, a lot | a little, slightly
His smile softened slightly.
His smile softened slightly.
2. make sth seem less severe
ADV.
slightly, somewhat
VERB + SOFTEN
try
The chancellor may try to soften the blow somewhat with a cut in interest rates.
The chancellor may try to soften the blow somewhat with a cut in interest rates.
help (to)