salve

[sav, sahv] / sæv, sɑv /

NOUN

ointment for relief of pain or illness

Synonyms

STRONGEST

balm lotion

STRONG

aid cerate counterirritant cream cure dressing help liniment lubricant medication medicine remedy unction unguent

WEAK

emolient

Antonyms

STRONG

blockage disease hindrance injury obstruction

VERB

soothe

Synonyms

STRONGEST

alleviate assuage mollify pacify unburden

STRONG

ally balm becalm calm ease heal quiet relieve settle soften still

WEAK

calm down cool off pour oil on smooth down take the edge off take the sting out of untrouble

Antonyms

STRONGEST

agitate incite upset

STRONG

harm hurt injure irritate move trouble worry

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.

But it can feel like a salve to the lover girl part of your soul, if you let it.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

Cheaper money is always a salve for the economy.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 23, 2025

The heroism by a Muslim immigrant has been a salve to intercommunal wounds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

Brazil is also a major source of beef exports to the U.S., a salve at a time when meat prices are driving inflation.

From Slate • Jul. 14, 2025

He announced that he had changed his mind about the weapon salve.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton