1
as in gentle
not loud in pitch or volume
soft music played in the background while we ate
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in silky
smooth or delicate in appearance or feel
I like this sweater the best because it is so soft and comfortable
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in floppy
giving easily to the touch
soft mattresses make it very easy to fall asleep, but they have a tendency to get lumpy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in smooth
involving minimal difficulty or effort
looking for a soft job in local government
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in weak
lacking bodily strength
soft recruits who will get toughened up in the army
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in weakened
lacking strength of will or character
a soft person who tends to yield to stronger personalities
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in soothing
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect
a soft breeze coming off the lake
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in comfortable
providing physical comfort
a warm, soft bed to rest my weary bones
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
9
as in easy
tolerant and kind in the judgment of and expectations for others
felt that his wife had been a little too soft on their son, and that more discipline was in order
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
10
as in temperate
marked by temperatures that are neither too high nor too low
it was a lovely soft spring evening
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
11
as in dumb
not having or showing an ability to absorb ideas readily
sometimes I wonder if you've gone soft in the head
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of soft
The hard X-ray peak came first, intense and quickly, followed by a longer, scorching soft X-ray and optical glow.
—
Paul Sutter, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2026
If your brand of romance is veering a touch moodier (or nonexistent) this year, why not exchange pale pink for a soft baby blue?
—Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 6 Feb. 2026
Shadow Language emphasizes atmosphere over rhythm, with structures carefully built up around soft, billowing textures.
—Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026
The Signature Soft Cotton Bath Set is made with the softest cotton.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for soft
Paul Sutter, Space.com, 6 Feb. 2026
If your brand of romance is veering a touch moodier (or nonexistent) this year, why not exchange pale pink for a soft baby blue?
—Calin Van Paris, InStyle, 6 Feb. 2026
Shadow Language emphasizes atmosphere over rhythm, with structures carefully built up around soft, billowing textures.
—Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 6 Feb. 2026
The Signature Soft Cotton Bath Set is made with the softest cotton.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for soft
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soft
Adjective
-
The intuitive Moon is in your sign, lighting your 1st House of Identity and inviting you to show gentle leadership through presence rather than pressure.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Feb. 2026
-
This villa is high enough to feel secluded, but never removed from the gentle rhythm of the Caribbean island of Bequia.—
Rebekah Evans,
TheWeek,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The top’s crewneck style looks similar to your favorite sweatshirts, but with a lighter fabric meant to feel airy and silky (while still staying warm).—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
31 Jan. 2026
-
The tiniest dollop applied to my wet hair from the mid-strands down gave me soft, touchable, silky, defined, and frizz-free curls.—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Wilting, floppy leaves, stunted growth, and failure to bloom can signal the plant isn’t getting enough light and is stretching to reach it.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
20 Jan. 2026
-
Next, tackle those floppy stacks of sweaters or jumble of unruly scarves with this two-pack of linen dividers and multi-item clothing hangers.—
Brittany VanDerBill,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The weekend celebration started on Friday with a roller skating party on the smooth arena floor followed by a full schedule on Saturday of performances by local artists, tours and refreshments.—
Doug Duran,
Mercury News,
27 Jan. 2026
-
With the ability to charge a compatible phone wirelessly at 25W using the new Qi2 charging standard, the MagSafe-compatible Icemag 3 has a full-surface magnetic lock and provides smoother and steadier power flow.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Defense lawyers contend these cases should never have been brought, with weak evidence that juries consistently reject, prompting legal experts to question the prosecution strategy.—
Brittny Mejia,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
-
But some indications suggest that the jobs report could come in weaker than expected.—
Sarah Min,
CNBC,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The consumption of raw milk and other unpasteurized dairy products can cause serious health risks and be especially dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, according to the Food and Drug Administration.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
4 Feb. 2026
-
The primary concern is costs, according to Bloomberg, along with weakened demand in China.—
Erik Shilling,
Robb Report,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
In a social, psychological context, Masli is a facilitator, a quirky social worker with a golden leg for an arm, an upswept hairstyle that’s half hair and half hat, a makeshift blue gown that might’ve once been a blanket and a soft-spoken soothing presence.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Being loved does not always feel soothing.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Tesla’s vehicles feel sleek and comfortable inside.—
Karoline Leonard,
Austin American Statesman,
3 Feb. 2026
-
This might end up being a problem, some say, as Barron is reportedly notoriously awkward in person, but feels very comfortable online.—
StyleCaster Editors,
StyleCaster,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Soft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soft. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
