soothing

adjective

sooth·​ing ˈsü-t͟hiŋ 

: tending to soothe

also : having a sedative effect

soothing syrup

soothingly adverb

soothingness noun

Synonyms

• relaxing
• comforting
• tranquilizing
• tranquillizing

Examples of soothing in a Sentence

The music had a soothing effect on the baby.

the soothing music eventually put the entire yoga class in the proper mood

Recent Examples on the Web

So the design team, led by Kristin Byrd of Gensler, zeroed in on making the public spaces look and feel more intimate and more soothing on a site that's traditionally soaking up the summer sun and its heat. —Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 7 Aug. 2025

Warm and soothing neutral tones permeate the interiors, permitting the products to project. —David Moin, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2025

Sherwin-Williams sought to include colors that are deep and soothing, embodied in shades like Dark Auburn—a cozy reddish-brown—or Tarragon, a deep neutral with alluring blue undertones. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 July 2025

Visitors can bathe in the soothing thermal waters of Emser Therme, where riverfront saunas and salt steam rooms offer true tranquility. —Sofia Markovich, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing soothing

• making soothing/reassuring noises

Rhymes for soothing

• smoothing

Kids Definition

soothing

adjective

sooth·​ing

ˈsü-t͟hiŋ

: tending to soothe

soothing sounds