soothing 1 of 3

adjective

ˈsü-t͟hiŋ How to pronounce soothing (audio)
Definition of soothingnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in gentle
not harsh or stern especially in nature or effect spoke to the boy in a soothing voice

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

soothing

2 of 3

noun

as in calming

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Dissimilar Words

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

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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of soothing
Adjective
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 Li Jin Hao tends to deliver his stand-up in a soothing, unhurried coo. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 21 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
On top of that, the plugs offer passive isolation (the seal of the bud) and adaptive sound masking (soothing audio tracks that help cover up your beloved’s snoring). — Jessica Sager, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 The restaurant on the ground floor features red brick arches, midcentury sconces and a soothing interior with plush beige armchairs and warm wood accents. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for soothing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for soothing
  1. relaxing
  2. gentle
  3. calming
  4. reassuring
  5. lulling
  6. relieving
  7. comforting
  8. soft
Adjective
  • In general, the reduction of decision-making to easy choices was, for me, possibly the most relaxing element of all.
    — Kate Berlant, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Expansive exterior decks and a generous flybridge create space for entertaining, relaxing, or even exercising in the great outdoors.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of relaxing
Adjective
  • Some gentle chemical sunscreens to try include Beauty of Joseon’s Day Dew Sunscreen or the Supergoop!
    — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The movie is replete with long moments of silence, intense stares and gentle teasing and probing among the four that can feel particularly electric to some viewers.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of gentle
Noun
  • The idea is that these stocks benefit from a calming of tensions in the Middle East, regardless of what happens with AI spending near term.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 27 July 2026
  • As a very high-octane, easily stressed gal in the entertainment industry, Dave is my calming, grounding force.
    — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026
Definition of calming
Verb
  • There’s also reassuring initial bite at the top of the travel, yet the setup doesn’t feel grabby or overly anxious in everyday driving situations.
    — Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
  • But this amuse-bouche of live music, performed by real people in real time and a real space, before a real crowd, felt reassuring in the most profound way.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of reassuring
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
Definition of lulling
Verb
  • This can involve releasing residual propellant, relieving pressure, and discharging or disconnecting batteries to reduce the risk of accidental explosions.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
  • That incident displaced thousands until a crack formed in the overheating tank, relieving the pressure and ending the risk of explosion.
    — Lana Zak, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of relieving
Adjective
  • The meals here strike a strong balance between comforting and elevated, and all ingredients are locally sourced.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • In a city where change is constant — especially in the food and beverage scene — Charlotte’s classic restaurants are among the most beloved places to gather with family and friends or stop in for a comforting bite to eat.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of comforting
Adjective
  • Writing diaristic, country-leaning soft-rock, Stiltz also touches on the work of David Berman and Bill Callahan.
    — Harry Thorfinn-George, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The carbon covers the grip, the thumb rest, and the soft-release button, the spots a photographer touches most.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of soft

Browse Nearby Words

soothes
soothing
soothingness
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Cite this Entry

“Soothing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/soothing. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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