soothe

verb

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Start with two to five minutes of journaling, mindful eating, or soothing skin-care rituals, and increase as your capacity grows. Essence, 29 Oct. 2025 Castor oil is also an anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial oil that can soothe inflamed or irritated skin. Sherri Gordon, Health, 29 Oct. 2025 So in 2021, Hudson began writing songs, knowing that music would soothe her soul. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 29 Oct. 2025 The device also plays calming music to help soothe babies, helping infants and their parents relax. Ethan Stone, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for soothe

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of soothe was in 1617

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Soothe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soothe. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

soothe

verb
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

More from Merriam-Webster on soothe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!