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

It’s further supported by soothing botanical ingredients like karanja oil and aloe oil, which help nourish the skin barrier, calm visible redness, and maintain hydration for more comfortable daily wear. — Jason Phillips, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

Also, Nécessaire the Lip Balm is made with soothing skin care ingredients such as niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter; it’s approved for eczema-prone skin and even has a touch of (natural) mint to keep you feeling fresh. — Lindy Segal, Glamour, 8 Sep. 2026

Venus ascendant, sky blackened with the new moon, and acool breeze soothed you. — Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026

There’s also allantoin and panthenol to help soothe skin after exfoliation. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 8 Sep. 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