soft-core

adjective

ˈsȯf(t)-ˈkȯr How to pronounce soft-core (audio)
Synonyms of soft-corenext
of pornography
: containing descriptions or scenes of sex acts that are less explicit than hard-core material

Examples of soft-core in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
All as much fans of soft-core nineties femme fatale films as experimental cinema. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026 Their intercourse isn’t soft-core like Bound but features Marian’s shy, sly, self-consciousness. — Armond White, National Review, 31 July 2024 The film felt like a dispatch from a cinematic world that no longer existed — streamed quietly into a culture now fluent in soft-core stylization but less interested in its emotional stakes. — arkansasonline.com, 10 July 2025 This is the character most relatable to the man who founded a media company whose sole purpose was to manipulate women into taking their tops off and engage in soft-core pornography on camera and cut them out of the earnings. — Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 7 Dec. 2024 The selection will open with a pre-festival screening of Tinto Brass’ soft-core thriller Col Cuore in Gola (Deadly Sweet) (1967). — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 3 July 2026 For individuals, soft-core KPIs might include the employee’s personal brand reputation, visibility on professional platforms or involvement in external community projects. — Filomena Di Luise, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 The agencies that dole out state money to public charger companies — the California Energy Commission and the California Public Utilities Commission — have taken a soft-core approach to holding the companies responsible. — Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2024 Ranking Coppola’s 23 features — his 1962 soft-core Tonight for Sure is not included, nor is his misbegotten New York Stories short feature or the Disney attraction Captain EO — was a difficult proposition. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

soft entry 1 + hard-core

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of soft-core was in 1962

Rhymes for soft-core

See All Rhymes for soft-core

Browse Nearby Words

soft coral
soft-core
soft corn
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Soft-core.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soft-core. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for soft-core

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