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
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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 Soak in the natural healing benefits of being on the water and let the Spa experts of Four Seasons craft an unforgettable day that will soothe body, mind, and spirit. 
Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 12 Sep. 2022 Enter: Scalp cleansers that take the place of traditional shampoos, refreshing sprays that keep your hairdo moisturized, and anti-itch oils that’ll soothe your scalp, not disrupt it. Nerisha Penrose, ELLE, 10 Sep. 2022 These sweets can help increase saliva flow to coat and soothe your throat. Julie Stewart, Men's Health, 26 July 2022 Water sculptures not only function as yard art, but also the burbling sounds soothe and make hot days feel cooler. Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2022 The invigorating pink tisane is delicious, with accents of anti-inflammatory nettle and a little thyme to stimulate the immune system and soothe the soul. Emma Elwick-bates, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2022 The disaster did nothing to soothe those people nervous about traveling underground, but the tunnel itself was not damaged and work continued. Marylou Tousignant, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2022 The Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for the Face is formulated with aloe vera extract as one of its main ingredients, which is one of the leading natural ingredients to soothe and hydrate irritated skin. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 24 Aug. 2022 Check out our top picks for the best period swimwear and the best heating pads to soothe cramps. Emma Seymour, Good Housekeeping, 17 Aug. 2022 See More
Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 12 Sep. 2022 Enter: Scalp cleansers that take the place of traditional shampoos, refreshing sprays that keep your hairdo moisturized, and anti-itch oils that’ll soothe your scalp, not disrupt it. Nerisha Penrose, ELLE, 10 Sep. 2022 These sweets can help increase saliva flow to coat and soothe your throat. Julie Stewart, Men's Health, 26 July 2022 Water sculptures not only function as yard art, but also the burbling sounds soothe and make hot days feel cooler. Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2022 The invigorating pink tisane is delicious, with accents of anti-inflammatory nettle and a little thyme to stimulate the immune system and soothe the soul. Emma Elwick-bates, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2022 The disaster did nothing to soothe those people nervous about traveling underground, but the tunnel itself was not damaged and work continued. Marylou Tousignant, Washington Post, 31 Aug. 2022 The Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for the Face is formulated with aloe vera extract as one of its main ingredients, which is one of the leading natural ingredients to soothe and hydrate irritated skin. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 24 Aug. 2022 Check out our top picks for the best period swimwear and the best heating pads to soothe cramps. Emma Seymour, Good Housekeeping, 17 Aug. 2022 See More 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 praise or attention
The waiter tried to soothe the angry customer.
2
: relieve sense 1
Lotion will soothe your sunburn.
3
: to calm down : comfort
Papa was trying to soothe Mama, who was wheezing heavily from asthma and excitement. George Selden, The Cricket in Times Square
George Selden, The Cricket in Times Squaresoothed
verb
1
as in reassured
to ease the grief or distress of there seemed to be no words sufficient to soothe the bereaved parents Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- reassured
- comforted
- assured
- consoled
- cheered
- solaced
- uplifted
- calmed
- sympathized
- empathized
- relieved
- alleviated
- allayed
- commiserated
- lifted
- quieted
- assuaged
- condoled
- relaxed
- elevated
- tranquilized
- tranquillized
- boosted
- buoyed (up)
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- troubled
- tormented
- tortured
- worried
- distressed
- discouraged
- upset
- intensified
- aggravated
- irritated
- annoyed
- worsened
- harassed
- disheartened
- demoralized
- irked
- fretted
- pestered
2
as in calmed
to free from distress or disturbance soothed the baby with a bottle Synonyms & Similar Words
- calmed
- lulled
- quieted
- appeased
- composed
- relaxed
- stilled
- salved
- quietened
- tranquilized
- settled
- tranquillized
- relieved
- placated
- quelled
- mollified
- becalmed
- hushed
- pacified
- eased
- alleviated
- assuaged
- allayed
- lullabied
- solaced
- conciliated
- mitigated
- sedated
- stupefied
- laid
- narcotized
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- disturbed
- upset
- agitated
- perturbed
- vexed
- aggravated
- intensified
- heightened
- disquieted
- keyed (up)
- aroused
- roused
- excited
- discomposed
- incited
- vext
- fomented
- stirred (up)
- worked up
3
as in alleviated
to make more bearable or less severe hot tea with honey will soothe a sore throat Synonyms & Similar Words
- alleviated
- relieved
- eased
- helped
- softened
- mitigated
- mollified
- assuaged
- allayed
- healed
- cured
- tempered
- improved
- enhanced
- lightened
- palliated
- remedied
- abated
- moderated
- repaired
- corrected
- refined
- enriched
- ameliorated
- rectified
- fixed
- amended
- perfected
- reformed
- mended
- bettered
- emended
- meliorated
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- aggravated
- hurt
- impaired
- injured
- exacerbated
- intensified
- harmed
- heightened
- sharpened