as in to soothe
to free from distress or disturbance
attempting to salve her conscience, she anonymously sent the store a sum of cash sufficient to cover the merchandise she had shoplifted
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Recent Examples of salve
Zoë Lescaze, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
In this perilous time for America and Israel, Trump’s uncritical embrace of Netanyahu’s government, his role in freeing hostages from Hamas’ hell, and his response to campus antisemitism may seem like a salve.
—Ben Krull, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2025
Katie Bain, Billboard, 27 Sep. 2024
Each of these athletes has their particular struggle, but the idea that achieving the highest sporting honors cannot salve the pressures of elite athletic life is well established.
—Talia Barrington, The Atlantic, 6 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for salve
Verb
In Japan, the plant is sometimes used as a salve for bug bites.
—Zoë Lescaze, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025
In this perilous time for America and Israel, Trump’s uncritical embrace of Netanyahu’s government, his role in freeing hostages from Hamas’ hell, and his response to campus antisemitism may seem like a salve.
—Ben Krull, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2025
Noun
Playing like ear salve for anyone who enjoys camping festivals, bass music and tie-dye (preferably all at the same time), the album melds each producer’s celestially-leaning, world music influenced and thoroughly pummeling styles into a groovy, deep, totally fun 13-track collection.
—Katie Bain, Billboard, 27 Sep. 2024
Each of these athletes has their particular struggle, but the idea that achieving the highest sporting honors cannot salve the pressures of elite athletic life is well established.
—Talia Barrington, The Atlantic, 6 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for salve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for salve
Verb
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The spa menu boasts a long list of bodywork treatments options, including the fire & ice massage, which soothes sore muscles with a combination of hot stones and cooling recovery balm, facials and body scrubs using ingredients from the forest, and a fireside massage package for two.—
Elizabeth Brownfield,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
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Great as a hostess or housewarming gift, the soap works even better when taking the form of a self-care purchase that will soothe your skin with shea butter.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
20 June 2025
Noun
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Also referred to as petroleum jelly, which is the primary ingredient of Vaseline, it was invented during the 1800s as a cure-all balm and has become a household staple since.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
21 June 2025
-
The spa menu boasts a long list of bodywork treatments options, including the fire & ice massage, which soothes sore muscles with a combination of hot stones and cooling recovery balm, facials and body scrubs using ingredients from the forest, and a fireside massage package for two.—
Elizabeth Brownfield,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Verb
-
Myung-gi tries to calm him down, but a sobbing Player 39 has already made up his mind and throws himself off the edge.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
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An agent with a baseball hat and FBI vest pats his heart and appears to be talking to him and trying to calm him down.—
Brittny Mejia,
Los Angeles Times,
27 June 2025
Noun
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Barrier repair creams with ceramides, cholesterol or fatty acids, or formulas with peptide and growth factor will also aid in skin nourishment and renewal.—
Starr Bowenbank,
People.com,
22 June 2025
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Instead of applying an anti-aging serum and following up with your favorite night cream, this Blithe serum features a hybrid formula that combines both steps into one.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
22 June 2025
Verb
-
Then, lulled by the sound of a uke, a luau reeled me in.—
New York Times Games,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Yarbrough lulled the Dodgers’ hitters to sleep with his side-arm arsenal featuring a four-seam fastball that topped out at an out-of-fashion 89.5 mph and a sinker that only reached 87.5 mph.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
1 June 2025
Noun
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Your tattoo artist should cover your tattoo with ointment and a clean bandage and give you aftercare instructions to support healing.—
Brendan Camp,
Verywell Health,
28 June 2025
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Some resort to using a combination of topical ointments and creams to try to control the dry skin and itching that characterize the condition.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
24 June 2025
Verb
-
Sapphire is a variety of the mineral corundum, which is composed almost entirely of aluminum oxide.—
David Bressan,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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Made shoppable this March, it’s composed of one of Vans’ thinnest soles to date, with a design that takes cues from the Serio Style 84.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
25 June 2025
Noun
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Calamine lotion: This topical treatment contains zinc oxide, which can soothe irritated or itchy skin.6 Medicated shampoo: Shampoos that contain medical-grade coal tar can help reduce eczema symptoms on your scalp.—
Sarah Hudgens,
Health,
19 June 2025
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Before heading outside, be sure to apply a body sunscreen—Supergoop!’s Play lotion is an editor and dermatologist-favorite that’s nourishing, water-, and sweat-resistant.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
16 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Salve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/salve. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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