The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word MELTS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
M
E
L
T
S
More clues leading to the result MELTS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "softens" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case softens = melts.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does MELTS mean?
MELTS noun- Molten material, the product of melting.
- The transition of matter from a solid state to a liquid state.
- The springtime snow runoff in mountain regions.
- A melt sandwich.
- A wax-based substance for use in an oil burner as an alternative to mixing oils and water.
- An idiot.
- To change (or to be changed) from a solid state to a liquid state, usually by a gradual heat.
- To dissolve, disperse, vanish.
- To soften, as by a warming or kindly influence; to relax; to render gentle or susceptible to mild influences; sometimes, in a bad sense, to take away the firmness of; to weaken.
- To be discouraged.
- To be emotionally softened or touched.
- To be very hot and sweat profusely.