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.

Cheaper money is always a salve for the economy.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 23, 2025

More than that, some are betting that AI and robotics will be the salve to our nation’s debt troubles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 2, 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

That's the salve on it, that it keeps going.

From Salon • May 1, 2025

The smell of the salve stings my nostrils, and I wrinkle my nose.

From "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir