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
Nicholls points out that, over the centuries, preferred palettes have varied from soft pastels to vibrant, moody hues.
—
Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2025
Cut by hand, not machine, its softer sparkle revealing both rarity and history.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
The fabric is gentle on skin and breathable, offering a soft and lightweight feel that’s perfect for warm fall days.
—Melody Kazel, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
After flashing early in camp — including an interception off Zach Wilson that could have been returned for a touchdown — Trader was held out for much of the past 3 1/2 weeks while nursing a soft-tissue injury.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for soft
Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 2025
Cut by hand, not machine, its softer sparkle revealing both rarity and history.
—Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
The fabric is gentle on skin and breathable, offering a soft and lightweight feel that’s perfect for warm fall days.
—Melody Kazel, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025
After flashing early in camp — including an interception off Zach Wilson that could have been returned for a touchdown — Trader was held out for much of the past 3 1/2 weeks while nursing a soft-tissue injury.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for soft
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soft
Adjective
-
The rest of the movie goes on to explain how, and a bit why, such a seemingly gentle woman could do such an absolutely awful thing.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Household glass cleaners like Windex are formulated to be more gentle on your windows and other glass surfaces.—
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott,
Southern Living,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Formulated for normal to dry skin, this gentle daily facial cleanser transforms from a silky oil to a soft, lathering foam that deeply cleanses your skin, effectively removing dirt, excess oil and stubborn makeup without clogging pores, leaving residue or a greasy feeling.—
Adam Mills,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Pair these sleek wide-leg jeans with a button-down shirt, or a silky blouse and heels for an office-appropriate style.—
Jessie Quinn,
Flow Space,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
An amaryllis bulb naturally grows long floppy leaves, staking them upright would look ridiculous.—
Steve Bender,
Southern Living,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Mayim Bialik, the actress behind the quirky character known for her floppy hats, explained Monday on her Substack that a modern take on the series, which aired over five seasons, from 1990 to 1995, had been rejected by the studio.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
EW.com,
26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Pre-season was smoother compared to last year’s disruption when the women’s team had to move out of their building to make way for the men’s team.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
The reversible duvet cover is made from 100 percent organic cotton and has a honeycomb texture on one side and a smooth cotton percale finish on the other.—
Ali Faccenda,
PEOPLE,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
But options for changing that are weak.—
Alan J. Borsuk,
jsonline.com,
30 Aug. 2025
-
Instead, molecules simply bounce around and lose energy, resulting in relatively weak conduction.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Minor gastrointestinal discomfort is probably the most common symptom; however, pathogens that may cause only minor sickness in some people may cause serious conditions or death in others, especially in the very young, old, or those with weakened immune systems.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Infections can be severe in young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems, who may require hospitalization.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
29 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Rana forces herself to create a soothing, familial tone.—
Sophie Monks Kaufman,
IndieWire,
3 Sep. 2025
-
The Office fans might find this generic workplace comedy soothing.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Thiaw, aged 24 and capped three times by Germany, is comfortable on the ball, can play in a high line and is good at switching play.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
2 Sep. 2025
-
Gap Easy Straight Pull-on Pants The Gap has a reputation for designing well fitting, comfortable pants, and these casual pull-ons are no exception.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Soft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soft. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share