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

The formula is packed with skin-supportive ingredients like allantoin to soothe delicate eye skin and ceramides to help strengthen the moisture barrier (a huge win if dryness or crepiness makes eyeliner skip or smear). —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 11 Nov. 2025

Up at Vail, guests soothe their muscles fireside in elegant ski-in, ski-out chalets and spas at upscale accommodations like the Four Seasons Resort and Residences. —Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 10 Nov. 2025

Why not start things off by repainting the living room—there are many shades that designers absolutely love for their soothing factor. —Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 6 Nov. 2025

Entering a bedroom that’s painted a light blue color feels soothing and relaxing; a bathroom that’s a soft shade of green is pleasant to bathe in. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 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