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
Each tester looks at the softness of the material and assesses if the bedding is breathable and cooling or thick and cozy for winter weather.
—
Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 1 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
The weight of a fork, the softness of a napkin, the quality of the wine—it's all being considered.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026
McKeon, for one, is now on vaginal estrogen, a type of local hormone therapy that doesn’t enter the bloodstream—and therefore won’t up her risk of cancer recurrence—but can restore vaginal softness and moisture.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 20 Mar. 2026
Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 1 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
The weight of a fork, the softness of a napkin, the quality of the wine—it's all being considered.
—Shelby Wax, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2026
McKeon, for one, is now on vaginal estrogen, a type of local hormone therapy that doesn’t enter the bloodstream—and therefore won’t up her risk of cancer recurrence—but can restore vaginal softness and moisture.
—Erica Sloan, SELF, 20 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for softness
weakness
Noun
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If not treated early, the infection can progress to more serious symptoms, such as joint swelling and arthritis, nerve pain, tingling or numbness, facial muscle weakness, heart inflammation and difficulties with memory or concentration.—
Emily Bache,
The Conversation,
31 Mar. 2026
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To play for Hurley is to understand that taking a play off is not acceptable, that bending over and tugging at your short hems – a sure sign, in Hurley’s estimation, of weakness – will earn you either a death stare or a run up the steps.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Softness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/softness. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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