1
: an unctuous adhesive substance for application to wounds or sores
2
: a remedial or soothing influence or agency
a salve to their hurt feelings
salved; salving
1
: to remedy (something, such as disease) with or as if with a salve
Examples of salve in a Sentence
Verb (1)
attempting to salve her conscience, she anonymously sent the store a sum of cash sufficient to cover the merchandise she had shoplifted
Recent Examples on the Web
Jolene Edgar, Allure, 27 Jan. 2026
These versatile salves might serve to treat a burn, as a facial cosmetic, or as a hair conditioner in a pinch.
—Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
In the end, however, that unusual arrangement failed to salve Britain’s wariness about how the Chinese government could use Huawei’s equipment.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for salve
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
As for wound care, every surgeon has their own protocols, but most recommend avoiding sun exposure and keeping the incision coated with an antibiotic ointment or a salve like Aquaphor.
—Jolene Edgar, Allure, 27 Jan. 2026
These versatile salves might serve to treat a burn, as a facial cosmetic, or as a hair conditioner in a pinch.
—Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
But getting a final might have really salved him.
—Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2026
In the end, however, that unusual arrangement failed to salve Britain’s wariness about how the Chinese government could use Huawei’s equipment.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for salve
Cite this Entry
“Salve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/salve. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
salve
1 of 2 noun
ˈsav 
ˈsȧv
: a healing ointment
salve
2 of 2 verb
salved; salving
: to ease or soothe with or as if with a salve
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
