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
Linen is a tried and true classic for warmer weather, thanks to its softness and breathability — and with spring in full swing, now is the time to stock up on lightweight linen clothing.
—
Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
Finished with a drizzle of black habanero ash salsa, each bite is a swirl of crunch and softness, with an olfactory hit of brine, bright citrus, and gentle smoke.
—Anais Martinez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Apr. 2026
While high-income consumers are propping up spending in travel and other categories, the luxury housing market is showing signs of softness like the overall housing market, according to Smith.
—Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026
Collins says the softness has lasted after the initial washes and the texture is almost sponge-like to absorb water and air out in just about an hour.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 3 Apr. 2026
The pinnacle of rarity and refinement, this series features 100% intact cuticles and undergoes zero damaging chemical processing, bestowing unparalleled strength, luminosity, and softness for 100+ washes.
—Noel Cymone Walker, StyleCaster, 1 Apr. 2026
In other words, every moment has felt like a masterclass in softness, romance, and glow-forward confidence.
—Akili King, Essence, 1 Apr. 2026
The Pakistani mill is preparing collections that combine slub character and softness, and selvedge denim to capture that segment of the industry that is leaning to more craftsmanship and heritage.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 31 Mar. 2026
Light, warm, and slightly translucent shades have the ability to reflect light, which creates an optical effect of softness and evenness.
—Andrea Carbajal, Glamour, 31 Mar. 2026
Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
Finished with a drizzle of black habanero ash salsa, each bite is a swirl of crunch and softness, with an olfactory hit of brine, bright citrus, and gentle smoke.
—Anais Martinez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Apr. 2026
While high-income consumers are propping up spending in travel and other categories, the luxury housing market is showing signs of softness like the overall housing market, according to Smith.
—Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026
Collins says the softness has lasted after the initial washes and the texture is almost sponge-like to absorb water and air out in just about an hour.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 3 Apr. 2026
The pinnacle of rarity and refinement, this series features 100% intact cuticles and undergoes zero damaging chemical processing, bestowing unparalleled strength, luminosity, and softness for 100+ washes.
—Noel Cymone Walker, StyleCaster, 1 Apr. 2026
In other words, every moment has felt like a masterclass in softness, romance, and glow-forward confidence.
—Akili King, Essence, 1 Apr. 2026
The Pakistani mill is preparing collections that combine slub character and softness, and selvedge denim to capture that segment of the industry that is leaning to more craftsmanship and heritage.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 31 Mar. 2026
Light, warm, and slightly translucent shades have the ability to reflect light, which creates an optical effect of softness and evenness.
—Andrea Carbajal, Glamour, 31 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for softness
weakness
Noun
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Years of the petrodollar’s weakening grasp The petrodollar’s weakness has been quietly exposed for even years prior to Saudi Arabia’s currency swap with China.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
7 Apr. 2026
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Reinsdorf also emphasized the importance of both internal and external communication for a new hire, a notable weakness of the Karnišovas administration.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Softness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/softness. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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