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

• 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

However, someone with anxious attachment isn’t usually soothed by facts or space. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025

The liberal elite soothe their guilty consciences at the expense of people who really don’t care what a football or baseball team is called, and then pat themselves on the back for being so enlightened. —Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 31 July 2025

His decision to complete his degree soothed a regret that had gnawed at him for years. —Maria Polletta, AZCentral.com, 30 July 2025

Interiors in shades of beige and ivory with splashes of tropical colors are soothing. —Barbara Schuler, Travel + Leisure, 30 July 2025

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

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