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

Cooling, calming, and tailor-made for sensitive skin, this mask drapes delicately across your face to deliver a serious hit of cica (Centella asiatica) and allantoin—soothing redness and dryness in minutes. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 10 Apr. 2025

According to tradition, soaking in a hot bath infused with these therapeutic salts allows the magnesium and sulfur to penetrate the skin, soothing muscles, detoxing the body, and easing stress. —Alice Nardiotti, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025

Her soothing voice and gentle manner is especially appealing to little ones. —Kara Nesvig, Parents, 9 Apr. 2025

Calamine lotion: This soothing salve can curb itchiness and dry out spots that are still oozing or weeping fluid. 4. —Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 9 Apr. 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