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

Wide receiver Nikko Remigio extended to make a tough catch with Williams breathing down his neck on Mahomes’ next throw, then Kelce found a soft spot in the defense for a third consecutive completion as part of five straight to start the period. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2026

Other common causes of soft spots include bruising during transport or storage, or improper storage. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026

Papayas that are mostly green are not ripe, while those with many soft spots or darker, shriveled skin are overripe or spoiled. — Sherri Gordon, Health, 2 Aug. 2026

The Dodgers’ catching depth, with Will Smith still sidelined with a lingering neck injury, is the most obvious roster soft spot. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 27 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