1.   After the conference, Silver softened his criticism.

2.   But a higher-ranking official, angered by the document, ordered that it be rewritten to soften criticism of the section he manages.

3.   But the personal anguish the president reportedly went through in reaching the decision softened the criticism from the most ardent opponents of embryonic research and abortion.

4.   GM executives in particular have softened their criticisms of the union and called for reconciliation, in the hope of avoiding another strike.

5.   He denied that he softened his criticism of the entertainment industry when he spoke at a Beverly Hills fund-raiser.

6.   He softened his criticism in the third.

7.   In a piece written for CNET News this week Kumar softened his criticism and observed a few possible benefits.

8.   In an effort to soften criticism or head it off altogether, Thompson solicited the endorsements of nursing home groups.

9.   In the interview, Barry softened his criticism of Ms. Patterson, saying he did not intend to single her out.

10.   On another issue, Bush accused Gore of softening his criticism of the entertainment industry since going to Hollywood on Monday to raise money.