soothe

verb

ˈsüt͟h 

soothed; soothing

transitive verb

1

: to please by or as if by attention or concern : placate

2

: relieve, alleviate

soothe a cough

3

: to bring comfort, solace, or reassurance to

music soothes the soul

intransitive verb

: to bring peace, composure, or quietude

soother noun

Synonyms of soothe

• reassure
• assure
• comfort

Examples of soothe in a Sentence

The waiter tried to soothe the angry customer.

This cream soothes aching muscles.

Her nerves were soothed by a warm bath.

Nothing can soothe their pain.

Recent Examples on the Web

Wear it alone or over makeup as the mineral powder blurs imperfections and soothes the skin with a skin-loving formula. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

True to its name, the formula also contains birch juice, which is packed with amino acids, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants to soothe inflammation. — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026

Plan to spend a day soaking in the property's hot springs, which has been soothing visitors since 1886. — Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026

Advertisement Calm the scary feeling When fright takes hold, breathing techniques like 4-7-8 breathing or box breathing can soothe your nervous system. — Juli Fraga, Time, 29 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sothen to verify, from Old English sōthian, from sōth

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for soothe

• smooth
• sooth

Kids Definition

soothe

verb

ˈsüt͟h 

soothed; soothing

1

: to please by or as if by attention or concern : placate

2

: alleviate, relieve

the lotion soothed his sunburn

3

: to bring comfort : calm down

music soothes the soul