1
as in relaxing
tending to calm the emotions and relieve stress
the soothing music eventually put the entire yoga class in the proper mood
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gentle
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect
spoke to the boy in a soothing voice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in calming
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
1
as in reassuring
to ease the grief or distress of
there seemed to be no words sufficient to soothe the bereaved parents
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lulling
to free from distress or disturbance
soothed the baby with a bottle
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3
as in relieving
to make more bearable or less severe
hot tea with honey will soothe a sore throat
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of soothing
Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
The triumph of self-abjection serves as a soothing narrative hook in a certain species of female-survivorship tale.
—Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Maria Yagoda, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Apr. 2025
T'keyah Bazin, Verywell Health, 10 June 2026
But the First Lady’s memoir is the wrong place for such self-soothing rhetoric.
—Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for soothing
Adjective
The second is a soothing post-shave lotion that hydrates for up to 24 hours.
—Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026
The triumph of self-abjection serves as a soothing narrative hook in a certain species of female-survivorship tale.
—Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Noun
This became a soothing refrain whenever there was a momentary, impossible-to-plan-for hiccup (like the arrival time of custom’s agents) shared with the guests.
—Maria Yagoda, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
Key Takeaways Honey contains antioxidants and may provide mild immune and throat-soothing benefits.
—T'keyah Bazin, Verywell Health, 10 June 2026
But the First Lady’s memoir is the wrong place for such self-soothing rhetoric.
—Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for soothing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soothing
Adjective
-
Scape Park has exciting outdoor activities and points of interests to explore, such as zip lines, cenotes, and caverns, while El Dorado Water Park is the epitome of aquatic fun with more than 20 attractions, from high-speed slides to a relaxing wave pool, ideal for the whole family.—
Condé Nast Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 June 2026
-
Long flights feel noticeably more relaxing with somewhere to prop up tired feet.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
Sarnoski’s version likewise recasts the female character as a benevolent force, and is largely stripped of romance — though permits itself a streak of sentimentality in a subplot concerning the grizzled outlaw’s gentle bond with a young girl.—
Guy Lodge,
Variety,
11 June 2026
-
The research is clear that a familiar, gentle fragrance can slow breathing, soften stress and turn a room into a memory.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
At the same time, glycerin, squalane, and tremella mushrooms keep skin comfortably hydrated, while calming extras like bisabolol and Centella asiatica (cica) minimize the chance of irritation.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
8 May 2026
-
But the only peace on Concrète Waves is the occasional pullback, a calming of the storm rather than the coming of a resolution.—
Andrew Ryce,
Pitchfork,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
On one hand, being diagnosed early can be reassuring.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
15 June 2026
-
But Hill’s research proved reassuring to Bolton.—
Ben Taub,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
Parsons went on to self-release multiple full-length soundtrack albums of ominous sci-fi pads, glitchy electronics, and lulling melodies before A24 announced the release of a feature-length film.—
Harry Thorfinn-George,
Pitchfork,
11 June 2026
-
The project was about permeating the masses, gradually lulling them with propaganda.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Numerous foods possess anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can support joint health.—
Lana Barhum,
Verywell Health,
12 June 2026
-
The craniectomy, which removed 40 percent of her skull, saved Erbert's life by relieving pressure caused by the hematoma, a collection of blood that had formed from a burst blood vessel.—
Kathleen Perricone,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 June 2026
Adjective
-
Let your senses guide wise spending, and favor one durable tool that makes your routine feel comforting while still keeping you productive.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
-
Autumn brings crisp air, colorful foliage in the forests and arboretums, roaring fires, and comforting, warming dishes.—
Lindsay Cohn,
Travel + Leisure,
13 June 2026
Adjective
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As the limestone’s natural acids slowly leach into the softer sandstone, the structure will erode over time.—
Emily Watlington,
ARTnews.com,
12 June 2026
-
Take inspiration from Love Story’s Sarah Pidgeon and ask your hairdresser for soft, invisible layers, which create the illusion of a blunt cut while still adding movement and texture around the cheek, jaw, and collarbones.—
Ranyechi Udemezue,
Vogue,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Soothing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soothing. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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