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

• assure
• cheer
• comfort
• console
• reassure
• solace

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

He was surrounded by the soothing sounds of singers Perry Como, Frank Sinatra and Placido Domingo, and the cheerful bustle of children, grandchildren, caregivers and his wife of 62 years. —Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 28 May 2025

Think notes of florals, Italian citrus fruit, and a soothing blend of musky notes that aren't overpowering, just delightful. —Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 28 May 2025

Blue hues ranging from cobalt to periwinkle flow through the home, while touches of gray continues the soothing palette. —Shannon Sharpe, Architectural Digest, 28 May 2025

Downstairs, there’s a soothing onsen hot spring bath with striking black mineral water, and in the evenings, guests can enjoy a complimentary bowl of ramen. —Yukari Sakamoto, AFAR Media, 27 May 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