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# soft money

phrase (noun phrase; uncountable)

«soft money» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (jargon, US politics) money given to political parties for general activities, not directly to candidates, used to get around limits on donations.
2. (US) paper money, as opposed to coins (old use).
3. (science) research money that must be won again and again, not permanent.

### In the lessons

Used in US political news and law; the soft word hides big money getting around rules. Jargon, US.

### Examples

- The party raised millions in soft money.
- New laws tried to limit soft money in elections.
- Critics say soft money lets rich donors buy influence.
- Her job is paid with soft money from research grants.
- The reporter explained the difference between hard money and soft money.
- Soft money ads did not name a candidate directly.

### Note

Not money that is soft to touch. Uncountable: "soft money", not "a soft money". In UK politics people talk about "donations" instead.