Synonyms of soothing

soothing 1 of 3

adjective

ˈsü-t͟hiŋ 

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

• relaxing
• comforting
• tranquilizing
• hypnotic
• calming
• quieting
• sedative
• dreamy
• narcotic
• lulling
• depressant
• opiate
• pacifying
• analgesic
• anesthetic
• anodyne
• deadening
• antidepressant
• numbing
• antianxiety
• antistress
• antidepression

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• painful
• stressful
• unsettling
• troubling
• tiresome
• stimulating
• trying
• worrisome
• stimulant
• troublesome
• irritating
• disturbing
• annoying
• energizing
• aggravating
• frustrating
• invigorating
• maddening
• bothersome
• exasperating
• irksome
• vexing
• vexatious
• galling
• grating
• nettlesome
• harassing

2

as in gentle

not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect

spoke to the boy in a soothing voice

Synonyms & Similar Words

• gentle
• soft
• mellow
• mild
• light
• delicate
• benign
• quiet
• bland
• serene
• calm
• smooth
• peaceful
• balmy
• tranquil
• tender
• nonabrasive
• compassionate
• easy
• placid
• merciful
• softening
• pacific
• sleek
• lenient
• emollient
• slick
• clement
• cushioning
• buffering

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• powerful
• hard
• caustic
• intense
• harsh
• rough
• coarse
• abrasive
• stern
• exquisite
• severe
• scathing
• fierce
• violent
• strong
• forceful
• forcible
• savage
• ungentle
• irritating
• rugged
• grim
• roughened
• stiff
• gruff
• oppressive
• rude
• pitiless
• tyrannical
• roughening
• abrading
• heavy-handed

soothing

2 of 3

noun

as in calming

Related Words

• calming
• salving
• decrease
• mitigation
• moderation
• assuagement
• appeasement
• alleviation
• relief
• mollification
• ease
• diminishment
• comfort
• release

Dissimilar Words

• discomfort
• unrest
• suffering
• torture
• anguish
• misery
• agony
• torment
• pain
• ache
• sting
• stitch
• pang
• twinge
• prick
• tingle
• smart
• throe

soothing

3 of 3

verb

present participle of soothe

1

as in reassuring

to ease the grief or distress of

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reassuring
• comforting
• assuring
• consoling
• cheering
• uplifting
• solacing
• calming
• relieving
• sympathizing
• alleviating
• lifting
• relaxing
• empathizing
• elevating
• allaying
• commiserating
• quieting
• condoling
• tranquilizing
• boosting
• buoying (up)
• assuaging

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• distressing
• troubling
• tormenting
• discouraging
• torturing
• worrying
• upsetting
• disheartening
• demoralizing
• intensifying
• aggravating
• worsening
• irritating
• fretting
• annoying
• harassing
• pestering
• irking

2

as in lulling

to free from distress or disturbance

soothed the baby with a bottle

Synonyms & Similar Words

• calming
• lulling
• composing
• quieting
• appeasing
• relaxing
• tranquilizing
• salving
• stilling
• relieving
• settling
• quietening
• becalming
• hushing
• pacifying
• lullabying
• placating
• mollifying
• quelling
• alleviating
• conciliating
• easing
• mitigating
• allaying
• solacing
• assuaging
• sedating
• laying
• stupefying
• narcotizing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disturbing
• upsetting
• disquieting
• agitating
• perturbing
• vexing
• keying (up)
• aggravating
• intensifying
• exciting
• heightening
• arousing
• rousing
• stirring (up)
• discomposing
• inciting
• fomenting
• working up

3

as in relieving

to make more bearable or less severe

hot tea with honey will soothe a sore throat

Synonyms & Similar Words

• relieving
• alleviating
• helping
• easing
• softening
• mitigating
• healing
• allaying
• mollifying
• improving
• curing
• enhancing
• assuaging
• tempering
• palliating
• lightening
• remedying
• moderating
• repairing
• correcting
• enriching
• fixing
• refining
• ameliorating
• abating
• rectifying
• reforming
• amending
• perfecting
• bettering
• meliorating
• mending
• emending

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• aggravating
• hurting
• impairing
• injuring
• harming
• exacerbating
• intensifying
• sharpening
• heightening

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of soothing

Adjective

Niacinamide lends an extra soothing boost, while the brand’s proprietary postbiotic, Aqua Posae Filiformis, supports the skin microbiome—important for keeping the barrier balanced. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 19 Sep. 2026

Gas, reflux, growth spurts and other sources of discomfort can mean significantly more soothing and troubleshooting throughout the night. — Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026

Noun

Additional soothing comes at the Sense Spa, with its gym, treatment rooms, and Turkish-style hammam. — Eddi Fiegel, Robb Report, 3 Sep. 2026

Many gliding swings also feature music and vibrations for extra soothing. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026

Verb

As a result, the spirits are crafted with a key ingredient of manuka honey that helps protect the throat paired alongside more soothing botanicals such as bee pollen and chamomile. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026

On par with the matcha theme, this formula includes soothing green tea and barrier-supporting ceramide NP to keep dry and sensitive skin happy. — Sarah Han, Allure, 24 Sep. 2026