soothe

verb

ˈsüt͟h How to pronounce soothe (audio)
soothed; soothing
Synonyms of soothe

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 of soothe

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Lanitis’s treatment began, in part, with a yarrow compress placed over her abdomen, to soothe her liver. — D. T. Max, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026 The crown jewel of the hotel, the wellness program offers all the usual suspects—massages, facials, and a variety of body treatments meant to soothe sore muscles—plus so much more. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Oct. 2026 If parents are constantly stepping in to soothe or explain, the thinking goes, kids may not learn to manage their feelings or tolerate discomfort. — Alex Vance, Parents, 25 Oct. 2026 It’s also packed with nourishing plant oils, including jojoba and monoi flowers, to soothe dryness and help protect the skin barrier. — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for soothe

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of soothe was in 1617

Rhymes for soothe

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Soothe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soothe. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

soothe

verb
ˈsüt͟h How to pronounce soothe (audio)
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
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