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

Blanket sucking is a self-soothing behavior thought to mimic nursing. — Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 15 July 2026

The small fragments of colorful glass, strung along together, produce soothing sounds, their tinkling notes wafting through the air alongside a chorus of windchimes and the sweet scent of plumeria blooming in the garden. — Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2026

The Hot Stone Massage is the ultimate R&R, using warm volcanic stones to calm and soothe aching muscles in a full-body, 60- or 90-minute massage. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026

The Lillian Area Rug is both grounding and soothing thanks to its cool blue hue; the intricate Persian pattern adds lots of charm, making the rug look more unique and storied. — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 July 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