noun

softener

SO-fuh-nuhr

noun

A substance or device used to make something less hard, rough, or harsh — such as hard water or fabric.

"They installed a water softener to stop limescale building up in the pipes."

"She added fabric softener to the wash to keep the towels fluffy."

How to Use Softener

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething added to a process — like laundry or plumbing — specifically to make things softer.

Common pairings

fabric softener water softener

softeners plural

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Can you complete this real example?

They installed a water _____ to stop limescale building up in the pipes.

From Middle English softener, built from soften plus the agent-suffix -er.

wiener opener keener widener Wegener Greener listener gardener sharpener sweetener freshener Kitchener