Join Us On

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

Spanish Central

Browse Dictionary Browse Thesaurus

Get our free apps!iPhone•iPad•Android

Word of the Day

Blog: Words at Play

Dictionary

soothing

adjective

: producing feelings of comfort or relief

Full Definition of SOOTHING

: tending to soothe; also : having a sedative effect <soothing syrup>

— sooth·ing·ly adverb

— sooth·ing·ness noun

See soothing defined for English-language learners

See soothing defined for kids

ADVERTISEMENT

First Known Use of SOOTHING

1700

Related to SOOTHING

Synonyms: calming, comforting, dreamy, lulling, narcotic, pacifying, quieting, relaxing, sedative, tranquilizing (also tranquillizing)

Antonyms: abrasive, caustic, coarse, hard, harsh, rough, scathing, stern, ungentle

Learn More About SOOTHING

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "soothing"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "soothing"

Nglish: Translation of "soothing" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "soothing" for Arabic speakers

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: soothlessPrevious Word in the Dictionary: soothfulAll Words Near: soothing

ADVERTISEMENT

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up soothing? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your Vocabulary!

10 Charming Words for Nasty People

Put-downs with flair

When "Literally" isn't, well, literal

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Know what this is?

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears

Join Us

Merriam-Webster
on Facebook

Merriam-Webster
on Twitter

Bookstore: Digital and Print

Merriam-Webster references for Mobile, Kindle, print, and more.

See All

Other Merriam-Webster Dictionaries

© Merriam-Webster, Incorporated