Synonyms

softy

American

[sawf-tee, sof-] / ˈsɔf ti, ˈsɒf- /

Or softie

noun

Informal.

plural

softies

a person easily stirred to sentiment or tender emotion.
a person who lacks stamina or endurance.
a person who lacks strength of character; a silly or foolish person.

Etymology

Origin of softy

First recorded in 1860–65; soft + -y ²

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Until recently, D’Amaro had mastered another Wambsgansian trait: the ability to play softy while the CEO fielded the outrage from visitors and investors that ensued thanks to these incidents.

From Slate • Feb. 4, 2026

Piastri is on the mediums, Leclerc is a softy.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2024

For all her professional bravado, among those closest to her, Silverman is known as a sentimental softy.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 2023

He’s admittedly a softy when it comes to young fans that want his autograph or get his picture taken with him.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 24, 2023

Mom’s a softy when it comes to the Nelsons’ land.

From "The House That Lou Built" by Mae Respicio

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023