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 design blends in seamlessly with the natural landscape, crafted in rich woods and soothing earth tones. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2026

There’s a hot tub outside as well as a compact indoor sauna (top-notch for soothing weary muscles). —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026

Clean chrome and robust toggles communicate reliability, wood accents and lovely leather choices add organic warmth, and the simplicity of driver displays is soothing. —Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 19 Mar. 2026

The soothing Rosemary & Mint scent was perfect for a head massage in the middle of washday. —Catharine Malzahn, Glamour, 18 Mar. 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