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

For recovery, check out this wrist roller, which can also be used as a one-pound weight, or this muscle-soothing massage gun. —Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026

The material visually connects different areas in the yard and serves as soothing negative space. —Elizabeth Jardina, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Apr. 2026

After an acid reflux pill couldn’t soothe the fiery feeling, her husband suggested a trip to the emergency room. —Caleb Hellerman, CNN Money, 20 Apr. 2026

Inside the pack, a walkie-talkie squawked with the voices of staff who needed back-up on the playground, or a bathroom break, or help soothing a troubled student. —Cory Turner, NPR, 19 Apr. 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