softblocked
Quietly cut off
Softblocked describes being blocked on social media in a way designed to go unnoticed.
The term usually refers to a specific maneuver: someone blocks you briefly, which forces an unfollow, then unblocks you—so you're no longer following them but aren't technically blocked.
It's a gentler rejection than a full block: I didn't realize she'd softblocked me until I noticed I wasn't seeing her posts anymore.
Abruptly ceasing all communication
- silenceTotal lack of sound
- nonresponseFailure to answer
- cold shoulderIntentional dismissive treatment
- ignoringDeliberately not noticing
avoidance · shunning · snubbing · withdrawal · disengagement · unreachable · incommunicado · radio silence
Made quieter or softer
- unfollowedRemoved from feed
- unfriendedRemoved from social circle
- ghostedAbruptly ceased all communication
- blocklistCatalog of prohibited items
shadowban · deactivated · privacy settings · content filter · restricted · hidden · filtered · limited
Not immediately obvious
- impliedSuggested without stating
- tacitUnderstood without words
- unspokenNot verbally expressed
- passiveNot actively participating
veiled · oblique · hinting · discreet · understated · nonconfrontational · backdoor · roundabout
Refused or turned away
- ostracizedExcluded from a group
- isolatedSeparated from others
- alienatedMade distant or hostile
- cut offSeparated or disconnected
shut out · frozen out · sidelined · expelled · banished · blacklisted · exiled · disconnected
ghosting
Abruptly ceasing all communication
- silenceTotal lack of sound
- nonresponseFailure to answer
- cold shoulderIntentional dismissive treatment
ignoring · avoidance · shunning · snubbing · withdrawal · disengagement · unreachable · incommunicado · radio silence · left on read
muted
Made quieter or softer
- unfollowedRemoved from feed
- unfriendedRemoved from social circle
- ghostedAbruptly ceased all communication
blocklist · shadowban · deactivated · privacy settings · content filter · restricted · hidden · filtered · limited · screened
subtle
Not immediately obvious
passive · veiled · oblique · hinting · discreet · understated · nonconfrontational · backdoor · roundabout · unstated
rejected
Refused or turned away
- ostracizedExcluded from a group
- isolatedSeparated from others
- alienatedMade distant or hostile
cut off · shut out · frozen out · sidelined · expelled · banished · blacklisted · exiled · disconnected · disassociated
softblockedblocked
Passage prevented or impeded
permabanned · banned · deplatformed · suspended · shadowbanned
soft, block, softer, softest, softly, softness, soften, softened, softening