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

Collagen and peptides bring the bounce, and a hit of soothing Centella asiatica keeps everything calm and happy. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 27 Apr. 2026

As, too, are road signs, which serve as warm reminders of important people and help soothe souls in mind-numbing traffic. —Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 26 Apr. 2026

For designer Anita Yokota, Benjamin Moore’s Smoky Blue is a standout—a soothing, nature-nodding hue that soothes on sight. —Marisa Suzanne Martin, The Spruce, 26 Apr. 2026

Make working from home more enjoyable with a clever USB desk fan ($8) and soothing essential oil diffuser ($7). —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 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

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