soothe

verb

ˈsüt͟h 

soothed; soothing

transitive verb

1

: to please by or as if by attention or concern : placate

2

: relieve, alleviate

soothe a cough

3

: to bring comfort, solace, or reassurance to

music soothes the soul

intransitive verb

: to bring peace, composure, or quietude

soother noun

Synonyms

• assure
• cheer
• comfort
• console
• reassure
• solace

Examples of soothe in a Sentence

The waiter tried to soothe the angry customer.

This cream soothes aching muscles.

Her nerves were soothed by a warm bath.

Nothing can soothe their pain.

Recent Examples on the Web

Artificial tears may be recommended to soothe watery eyes due to dry eye. —Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 18 Mar. 2025

The design blends in seamlessly with the natural landscape, crafted in rich woods and soothing earth tones. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2025

Eucalyptus oil clears your head (perfect for the A.M.), while spearmint uplifts, soothing your skin and sinuses for a just-right balance of calming and energizing. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 16 Mar. 2025

There are good times, with the couple dancing cheek-to-cheek at a club, their hands all over each other, dressing and undressing each other at home over the soothing jazz pop arrangement produced by Rostam Batmanglij and singer Danielle. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sothen to verify, from Old English sōthian, from sōth

First Known Use

1617, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for soothe

• smooth

Kids Definition

soothe

verb

ˈsüt͟h 

soothed; soothing

1

: to please by or as if by attention or concern : placate

2

: alleviate, relieve

the lotion soothed his sunburn

3

: to bring comfort : calm down

music soothes the soul