Softened (8)

I think it could be either:

relented

assuaged

'softened' is the definition.
('relent' can be a synonym of 'soften')

This is the entire clue.

(Other definitions for relented that I've seen before include "Give in (to pleas?)" , "Grew less severe" , "Became less severe, let up" , "thought better of it" , "Gave in (to pleas?)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard, the L.A. Times Daily, the New York Times, The Washington Post, The Telegraph, The Chronicle of Higher Education and The Guardian.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.