soothe

verb

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

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.
Rosemary oil’s anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe a dry, red, or irritated scalp. Carley Millhone, Health, 23 Apr. 2025 The formula is also infused with a bio-restorative complex that repairs damage and strengthens, lupine flower peptides that deliver amino acids to the cortex to boost keratin to help damaged hair and eucalyptus oil to soothe the senses. Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, aloe leaf, tocopherol, and centella asiatica help to soothe irritation. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 Apr. 2025 Its star ingredients are sulfur, honey, and oat extracts—all of which will majorly soothe your skin. Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 15 Apr. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Soothe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/soothe. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

soothe

verb
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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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