Synonyms of soothe

soothe

verb

ˈsüt͟h 

1

as in to reassure

to ease the grief or distress of

there seemed to be no words sufficient to soothe the bereaved parents

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reassure
• assure
• comfort
• cheer
• console
• uplift
• solace
• relieve
• alleviate
• sympathize
• allay
• empathize
• calm
• assuage
• lift
• elevate
• commiserate
• relax
• condole
• buoy (up)
• boost
• quiet
• tranquilize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• distress
• trouble
• discourage
• torment
• worry
• upset
• torture
• intensify
• aggravate
• demoralize
• worsen
• irritate
• annoy
• fret
• dishearten
• harass
• irk
• pester

2

as in to calm

to free from distress or disturbance

soothed the baby with a bottle

Synonyms & Similar Words

• calm
• lull
• compose
• appease
• quiet
• relax
• salve
• relieve
• quieten
• tranquilize
• still
• settle
• quell
• becalm
• placate
• pacify
• mollify
• hush
• alleviate
• lullaby
• allay
• ease
• assuage
• conciliate
• mitigate
• solace
• lay
• sedate
• stupefy
• narcotize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• upset
• disturb
• agitate
• vex
• perturb
• intensify
• aggravate
• heighten
• arouse
• excite
• disquiet
• key (up)
• rouse
• discompose
• stir (up)
• incite
• foment
• work up

3

as in to relieve

to make more bearable or less severe

hot tea with honey will soothe a sore throat

Synonyms & Similar Words

• relieve
• alleviate
• help
• ease
• mitigate
• soften
• allay
• assuage
• heal
• mollify
• improve
• cure
• temper
• palliate
• enhance
• lighten
• remedy
• moderate
• abate
• better
• repair
• correct
• ameliorate
• perfect
• enrich
• rectify
• fix
• refine
• amend
• reform
• mend
• emend
• meliorate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• hurt
• impair
• harm
• injure
• aggravate
• exacerbate
• intensify
• sharpen
• heighten

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of soothe

While retinol on its own can be irritating, especially on sensitive skin, applying it as a moisturizer can help minimize irritation and soothe the skin—a genius product, IMO. — Anna Traver, InStyle, 31 July 2026

Southall Farm & Inn boasts five on-site farm-to-table restaurants, a soul-soothing spa, dozens of rooms and suites and 16 cottages. — Rebecca R. Norris, USA Today, 31 July 2026

No amount of historical context can soothe a devastated parent’s pain. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026

These kitchens often use contemporary cabinetry styles, natural wood or neutral cabinets, brass fixtures, and natural stone to achieve their soothing effect. — Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2026