soft-spoken

adjective

soft-spo·​ken ˈsȯf(t)-ˈspō-kən How to pronounce soft-spoken (audio)
: having a mild or gentle voice
also : suave

Examples of soft-spoken in a Sentence

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.
In the kitchen, Ono is soft-spoken and single-minded. Stephanie Bai, The Atlantic, 12 Apr. 2026 The former chief financial officer is an HSBC veteran, speaks eight languages, and has a reputation for being soft-spoken and methodical -- a sea change from the tumultuous tenure of his predecessor, Noel Quinn. Clay Chandler, semafor.com, 10 Apr. 2026 And Max Minghella, hard-eyed but soft-spoken, makes a giddy villain. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026 Kikuo remains soft-spoken, while Shunsuke is more of a partier and big talker, dominating their interviews with local journalists. Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for soft-spoken

Word History

First Known Use

1616, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of soft-spoken was in 1616

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Cite this Entry

“Soft-spoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soft-spoken. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.

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