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

Frow’s comments in Edinburgh could soothe some of these concerns, with the content chief seemingly being reassured by his conversation with his new bosses. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2025

Grand Velas offers an all-suites setup, with rooms designed in soothing, contemporary neutrals with just enough pops of color to give rooms a sense of the energy running throughout the property. —Margaux Lushing, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

The Rooms The resort’s 168 guest rooms and suites, designed by Thomas Pheasant, enhance the feeling of a country estate with soothing natural tones. —Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 16 Aug. 2025

These formulas, featuring gentle exfoliators to clear buildup and soothing hydrators, are packed with the ingredients your scalp needs to feel calm and happy again. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 13 Aug. 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