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 only troubled brow that Orsolya seems interested in soothing is her own. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2026

Choose from sheet sets, pillowcases and silky-soft duvet covers in soothing colors, and complete your cozy setup with sleep masks and lounge socks. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026

The formula relies on colloidal oatmeal, an ingredient known for its soothing properties, to calm irritation while helping the skin retain moisture. —Hana Hong, Glamour, 25 Mar. 2026

Even rice extracts contribute, delivering soothing hydration with a subtle brightening effect. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 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