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Definitions

soothe

[sooth] / suð /
VERB
calm, ease
Synonyms
STRONGEST
allay alleviate appease assuage cool mitigate mollify pacify relieve soften
STRONG
becalm cheer compose console dulcify help hush lighten lull quiet quieten settle square still stroke subdue tranquilize unburden
WEAK
balm butter up calm down cool off make nice make up patch things up play up to pour oil on smooth down take the edge off take the sting out untrouble
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aggravate agitate incite increase intensify irritate provoke trouble upset worry worsen
STRONG
arouse bring down depress discourage disturb excite hurt move
WEAK
distress

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was awkwardly dispatched to soothe the financial markets while doubling as a kind of economic war correspondent.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

Grindr, which has been scrutinized for its past handling of sensitive information, including users’ HIV status, has tried to soothe worries about privacy concerns as it goes all-in on AI.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

After a tumultuous morning during which US stock market indexes dropped and oil prices surged, the American president began speed-dialing reporters in an apparent effort to soothe nerves.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

More serious is whether the Battle of Jalisco will soothe or alarm Donald Trump’s administration north of the border.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

Claire wrapped her arms around the neck of the impatient creature and tried to soothe him by murmuring meaningless sounds.

From "Son" by Lois Lowry

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.