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

Whether your valentine needs help falling asleep, shaking off a stressful day or soothing sore muscles, these bath bombs won’t disappoint. —Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2025

There’s just something relaxing about being in the woods, listening to the soothing sounds of bird calls. —Christopher Murray, Fox News, 5 Feb. 2025

Since November, the business community may have soothed itself by believing that Trump was bluffing, or negotiating, or trying to extract concessions, which may or may not be true. —Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025

Stevenson, 45, expressed some reservations about flying home to Atlanta on Thursday but was planning on putting on headphones to soothe the nerves. —Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 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

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