as in weakness
the quality or state of lacking strength of will or character
softness is the one quality that the public will not tolerate in a leader
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Recent Examples of softness
These formulas are designed to replenish the water lost during cleansing, restoring comfort and softness immediately after washing.
—
Iman Balagam, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2026
This almost-white hue carries cool and warm undertones, giving it depth and softness.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 5 Jan. 2026
Despite its affordable price (even off sale), the set has also earned high marks for its quality level and softness.
—Clint Davis, PEOPLE, 4 Jan. 2026
Here, oak, cream, and gray hues come together for a sophisticated atmosphere, one that is complemented by dark-blue tones on the banquettes and curved corners for a touch of softness.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 30 Dec. 2025
Anything rooted in your identity — your story, your culture, your softness, your nurturing, your humor, your aesthetic, your home — becomes a business opportunity.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 23 Dec. 2025
By analyzing those inputs, the system can predict key performance attributes—including softness, strength, texture and dyeability—before the material enters production.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 22 Dec. 2025
Nike exceeded profit estimates but saw its shares fall as investors focused on weaker margins and slowing sales in China, including softness in the Converse brand.
—Benzinga, Freep.com, 20 Dec. 2025
The silicone creates a silky softness even inside the pillow.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 18 Dec. 2025
Iman Balagam, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2026
This almost-white hue carries cool and warm undertones, giving it depth and softness.
—Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 5 Jan. 2026
Despite its affordable price (even off sale), the set has also earned high marks for its quality level and softness.
—Clint Davis, PEOPLE, 4 Jan. 2026
Here, oak, cream, and gray hues come together for a sophisticated atmosphere, one that is complemented by dark-blue tones on the banquettes and curved corners for a touch of softness.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 30 Dec. 2025
Anything rooted in your identity — your story, your culture, your softness, your nurturing, your humor, your aesthetic, your home — becomes a business opportunity.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 23 Dec. 2025
By analyzing those inputs, the system can predict key performance attributes—including softness, strength, texture and dyeability—before the material enters production.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 22 Dec. 2025
Nike exceeded profit estimates but saw its shares fall as investors focused on weaker margins and slowing sales in China, including softness in the Converse brand.
—Benzinga, Freep.com, 20 Dec. 2025
The silicone creates a silky softness even inside the pillow.
—Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 18 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for softness
weakness
Noun
-
The problem with that is that good teams — the winning franchises — build their teams inside-out by fortifying the offensive and defensive lines, which just happen to be the areas of weakness this season.—
Omar Kelly
November 7,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Exports weren’t the only area that saw surprise weakness.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Softness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/softness. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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