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

Not to mention, this soap has the most soothing, cozy, warm fragrance. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 23 July 2026

Anyone who has watched the Sopranos knows there are few sights more soothing than watching Carmela Soprano lather her hands up to her elbows in lotion. — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 22 July 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

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

The gel is widely recognized for its soothing effects on the skin, especially for minor burns and irritation. — Morgan Pearson, Verywell Health, 29 July 2026