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
Melynnique Seabrook is a singer-songwriter and meditation guide whose soothing voice and heart-centered music inspire healing, relaxation, and inner peace. — Kris Slugg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 June 2026 The space has a dramatic 28-foot Palladian rotunda, a saltwater soaking tub, a sauna, a steam room and a wall of water that creates a soothing, flowing sound. — Katie Sweeney, Forbes.com, 30 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
For many years, critics frequently downplayed the soothing texture of Sade’s songs as mere aural wallpaper, mood music for lovemaking. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 30 June 2026 Better yet, soothing ingredients like chamomile flower water and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid keep skin feeling comfortable, so your complexion looks fresh—not overly matte. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 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
  • Kate Hudson enjoyed a relaxing beach day with her kids, 7-year-old Rani and 14-year-old Bingham, in Athens, Greece.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 2 July 2026
  • Audiences want a quiet, efficient, relaxing, fun, visually engaging, communal experience unavailable at home.
    — Joseph M. Singer, HollywoodReporter, 29 June 2026
Definition of relaxing
Adjective
  • The luxurious washes and soaps are gentle on skin for a clean, nourished feeling.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026
  • Everywhere, in big cities and small towns, there’s an increase in the adultification of children, even the well-off ones, even the ones raised by gentle parents, even the ones with skate and surf camps, guitar lessons, and college funds.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
Definition of gentle
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
Definition of calming
Verb
  • As first responders worked to get Donald Bellos into the ambulance, his mother could be seen on the body camera footage by his side, reassuring him.
    — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • The worry that sunscreen leaves people short on vitamin D has been studied for years, and for everyday use, the findings are reassuring.
    — Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 29 June 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
  • The salicylic acid helps gently remove flakes while relieving any irritation and itchy feelings.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • Best July 4th Bose Headphone Deal Bose QuietComfort The Bose QuietComfort Headphones claim absolute silence by fusing industry-leading active noise cancellation mechanics with plush, pressure-relieving over-ear cushions.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 July 2026
Definition of relieving
Adjective
  • The toasty, yeasty aroma of sourdough straight out of the oven isn’t just comforting.
    — Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
  • The ground beef, tomatoes, and brown rice are combined into a comforting bowl of comfort food for cold days.
    — Sheena Chihak, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026
Definition of comforting
Adjective
  • Play soft music to drown out fireworks blasts and give your pet something to do, like putting treats inside an interactive toy, to keep them calm and happy.
    — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • This relaxed pick is incredibly soft, really cute, and surprisingly easy to style.
    — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 3 July 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 9 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on soothing

Nglish: Translation of soothing for Spanish Speakers

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