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

Lighting fixtures are inspired by the Indian tradition of hair oiling, a chair is meant to soothe anxiety and wall art is made of construction materials tied to a childhood memory. —Anna Kodé, New York Times, 14 May 2025

Celebrate this soothing herb with live music, seminars, demos, workshops, farm tours and other activities on the Western Slope. —Sarah Kuta, Denver Post, 14 May 2025

Plus, the fragrance-free formula contains additional moisturizing and soothing ingredients like ceramides, sunflower seed oil, and rice extracts. —Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 13 May 2025

The soothing color palette of dusty rose, taupe and cream is conducive to relaxation. —Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 12 May 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