soft spot

noun

1

: a sentimental weakness : a strong liking for someone or something

They both have a soft spot for puppies. [=like puppies very much]

2

: a vulnerable point

a soft spot in the defense system

Synonyms of soft spot

• back

Examples of soft spot in a Sentence

They found a soft spot in the enemy's defenses.

a huge trade imbalance continued to be the soft spot in the nation's economy

Recent Examples on the Web

Bubbling paint or soft spots in drywall are signs that water has already made its way inside. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 13 July 2026

Him, a lifelong journalist with a grumpy exterior but a soft spot for teaching the trade. — Alex Kirshner, New York Times, 12 July 2026

Somewhere out there is a buyer with $32 million and a soft spot for 1966. — David Hochman, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

On streams and creeks, wood laydowns are prime locations to find oversized ’gills, as the branches attract baitfish and other forage, and the structure creates a soft spot on the downstream side of the laydown. — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for soft spot

• allot
• barat
• begot
• besought
• bethought
• bloodshot
• boycott
• buckshot
• crackpot
• croat
• culottes
• dashpot

Medical Definition

soft spot

noun

: a fontanel of a fetal or young skull