SOFTWARE Synonyms: 7 Similar and Opposite Words

software

noun

Definition of software

as in program

as in application The new software was designed to make the process of data entry more efficient.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

hardware

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 software The company has also said that controlling the chip, domain controller and underlying software stack could help reduce component costs as production volumes increase. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026 Without significant growth in hardware sales, software revenue will need to be found elsewhere—in new markets, on other devices, and in a much more competitive market space. — Ewan Spence, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The results fueled a broader software rally Thursday, with Salesforce surging 22% and CrowdStrike jumping about 20%. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for software

Recent Examples of Synonyms for software

Noun

His older brother, Ethan, is a freshman guard at Wabash Valley, a high-profile junior college basketball program.

— Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Her replacement, Christophe Leribault, critics say, is a somewhat safer pick who will likely shift the museum away from the robust contemporary art program under Des Cars, and toward a more French and Western-centric vision.

— Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of program

Noun

Instead of being limited to the manufacturer’s stock features, the display can become an endpoint for Home Assistant, MQTT and custom applications.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2026
The tie-up should help some skeptical investors grow more confident that Salesforce — thanks to troves of proprietary customer data housed within its applications — has a role to play in this new AI world.

— Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of application

Noun

On Location, which sells premium packages at high-profile events like the FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl and the US Open, helped generate $666 million in revenue for the first six months of this year — a 60% increase compared to the year prior.

— Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
Recent drone deliveries have not been flawless — a video spread across the internet earlier this month after an Amazon drone dropped a Texas customer’s package into her swimming pool.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of package

Browse Nearby Words

soft touches

software

softwares

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Software.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/software. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of software

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on software

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dissonant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes