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

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
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.
Buy fresh-looking pumpkins without blemishes, soft spots, or rotting stems. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025 Despite the slight decline on Friday, stocks are still pricing in low odds of recession and forecasting that the Fed will begin rate cuts soon enough for this to remain a soft spot in the labor market rather than a full-fledged downturn. Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025 Remove fruits with soft spots or insect damage. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025 Here, Evans plays Skylar, an ambitious overachiever with valedictorian dreams and a soft spot for Jackie and Nathan. EW.com, 28 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for soft spot

Word History

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of soft spot was in 1770

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Soft spot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soft%20spot. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

soft spot

noun
: a fontanel of a fetal or young skull
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!