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
These attempts to reshape the narrative around China’s actions go way beyond cultural soft power.
—
Isabelle Mayault, The Dial, 8 July 2025
Circles offer structure and shape while still feeling soft and comfortable.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 7 July 2025
Scroll to shop the best bond-building products for every texture—stronger and softer hair ahead!
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 26 June 2025
Pottery Barn Airy Cotton Duvet Cover Crafted from 100 percent cotton, this 200-thread count duvet cover is breathable, low-maintenance, soft, and suitable for year-round use.
—Maggie Horton, People.com, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for soft
Isabelle Mayault, The Dial, 8 July 2025
Circles offer structure and shape while still feeling soft and comfortable.
—Malia Griggs, Glamour, 7 July 2025
Scroll to shop the best bond-building products for every texture—stronger and softer hair ahead!
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 26 June 2025
Pottery Barn Airy Cotton Duvet Cover Crafted from 100 percent cotton, this 200-thread count duvet cover is breathable, low-maintenance, soft, and suitable for year-round use.
—Maggie Horton, People.com, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for soft
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soft
Adjective
-
The shelter posted the video hoping someone might see past Iris's fear and recognize the gentle dog underneath.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
-
But the show has also increasingly thrived on the odd-couple chemistry between co-creator Downs, who plays Hollywood’s gentlest manager, and breakout star Stalter as his assistant turned partner.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
The matching tennis necklace feels silky smooth and comfortable on the skin.—
Kate Matthams,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
Certain brands may also have a dryer texture versus a silky, creamier one.—
Christina Manian,
Health,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
Straw hats, offered in an array of shapes — fedoras, wide-brimmed, ultra floppy and visor styles — have long been a go-to choice to beat the city heat or for relaxing on the beach.—
Tonya Blazio-Licorish,
Footwear News,
20 June 2025
-
Both pups have one floppy ear and a scruffy coat that begs to be cuddled.—
Kelli Bender,
People.com,
20 June 2025
Adjective
-
Silky smooth tannins, crisp acidity, and a vibrancy that dances across the palate in a very long finish.—
Liz Thach,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
-
One reviewer praised the smooth wheels and durable hardside shell that didn’t get marked up during their travels.—
Rylee Johnston,
Travel + Leisure,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
Precious metals and mining stocks were weak across both markets.—
Brendan Ahern,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
-
In October 2005, a Finnish court acquitted Gustafsson, ruling the evidence against him was too weak and inconsistent.—
Christina Coulter,
People.com,
8 July 2025
Adjective
-
But beneath their soothing prompts lie important questions: How effective are these tools?—
Pooja Shree Chettiar,
The Conversation,
10 July 2025
-
In tea form, turmeric and garlic create a soothing, nutrient-rich herbal tonic.—
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois,
Health,
9 July 2025
Adjective
-
Dress comfortably: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to stay comfortable.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
11 July 2025
-
These silky bamboo sheets are reasonably priced and just as comfortable as more expensive pairs.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
10 July 2025
Adjective
-
But gamblers are required to keep up with their losses themselves—and the IRS often asks them to back up those claims, something that’s not always easy.—
Chris Morris,
Fortune,
7 July 2025
-
This foldable stool is easy to move and store for extra table space.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
People.com,
7 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Soft.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soft. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share