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

• 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

To that end, Martinez also recommends finishing the meal with a hot drink to enhance the feel-good effect—especially if the drink contains adaptogens that are known for soothing the body and mind. —Violeta Valdés, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025

Hyaluronic acid plumps, colloidal oatmeal soothes, and tea extracts provide skin with antioxidants. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 30 Sep. 2025

During a neighborhood meeting Monday, developer Caleb Roope was able to soothe some concerns for neighbors, such as dispelling rumors that the complex would include low-income housing. —Idaho Statesman, 29 Sep. 2025

Choose an exfoliant that has an AHA, such as lactic acid, or other hydrating properties to soothe your skin while exfoliating. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 Sep. 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