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

The Crisis Manager This is the keeper of all things calm, the soothing presence when things get a bit too much. — Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026

Shopping, usually a soothing balm for me, got somewhat frustrating. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2026

Fascinatingly, however, the incantations are neither soothing nor conciliatory. — Eleanor Johnson, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026

Burnam did so as a form of protest because O’Hare kicked out another speaker, Base Mego, shortly before for picking up the microphone as a soothing tactic. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 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