soothing

1 of 2

adjective

sooth·​ing ˈsü-t͟hiŋ 

: tending to soothe

also : having a sedative effect

soothing syrup

soothingly adverb

soothingness noun

soothing

2 of 2

present participle of soothe

Synonyms of soothing

Adjective

• relaxing
• comforting
• tranquilizing
• hypnotic

Examples of soothing in a Sentence

Adjective

The music had a soothing effect on the baby.

the soothing music eventually put the entire yoga class in the proper mood

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Formulated specifically for redness- and acne-prone skin, it’s packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients, including a soothing peptide and bisabolol, to help keep ruddiness and flare-ups in check, while glycerin hydrates skin without feeling greasy. — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 10 Nov. 2026

Ranging from loud and piercing to soft and soothing, the sounds of police surveillance drones mingled and merged with those of the protesters’ countersurveillance drones. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 6 Nov. 2026

The noodles vibrate with heat, ricocheting between the prickly Sichuan pepper, hot garlic, chiles and soothing sesame. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026

With a subtle and spa-like floral scent and a soothing, lightweight gel consistency, the cream also lends itself to a pleasantly sensorial application experience. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1700, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing soothing

• making soothing/reassuring noises

Rhymes for soothing

• smoothing

Kids Definition

soothing

adjective

sooth·​ing

ˈsü-t͟hiŋ

: tending to soothe

soothing sounds