soothe

1 of 3

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

soother

2 of 3

noun

sooth·​er
-t͟hə(r)
plural -s
: one (such as a flatterer) that soothes

soother

3 of 3

transitive verb

sooth·​er
ˈsüt͟hə(r), 
ˈsu̇t͟h-
1
dialectal : soothe
2
dialectal : coax, flatter

Synonyms of soothe

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Verb

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Examples of soothe in a Sentence

Verb 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.
Verb
And rosemary and coconut oils soothe the scalp and leave locks softer and shinier. — Dana Oliver, Parents, 30 June 2026 The set includes four sports towels made from a microfiber mesh material that’s designed to instantly soothe you. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 29 June 2026 But even expensive linens can lose that absorbency over time, making that final dry-off more frustrating than soothing. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 30 June 2026 Margera tried to soothe the pain by submerging his fresh brand in a tub of filthy farm water, which resulted in a life-threatening staph infection that landed him in the hospital. — Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for soothe

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

Noun

soothe + -er (noun suffix)

Transitive verb

soothe + -er (frequentative suffix)

First Known Use

Verb

1617, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of soothe was in 1617

Rhymes for soothe

See All Rhymes for soothe

Browse Nearby Words

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soothe
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Cite this Entry

“Soothe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soothe. Accessed 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on soothe

Nglish: Translation of soothe for Spanish Speakers

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