salve Synonyms
Another word for salve
• noun (Context 1)
A soothing, medicinal ointment or cream applied to the skin to promote healing or relieve pain and irritation.
"The herbalist prepared a soothing calendula ointment to treat the hiker's sunburned skin."
• noun (Context 2)
Something that comforts, consoles, or eases hurt feelings, guilt, or an uneasy conscience.
"His sincere apology acted as a much-needed balm for their strained friendship."
• verb (Context 3)
To soothe, ease, or appease (especially one's conscience, wounded pride, or distress).
"He made a generous donation to charity primarily to soothe his guilty conscience."
• verb (Context 4)
To apply a healing ointment or medicinal preparation to (a wound, sore, or irritated skin).
"The nurse gently salved the patient's burns before wrapping them in sterile gauze."
• verb (Context 5)
To save or rescue (a ship or its cargo) from loss, shipwreck, or destruction at sea.
"Tugboat crews worked through the gale to salvage the stranded freighter's cargo before the hull broke apart."
Opposites of salve
The opposite of salve shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: