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
Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 28 Oct. 2025
Many want to salve their wounds and prepare for the battles ahead with generational change.
—Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2025
Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
While that risk of impact has been confidently ruled out, the date of its future rendezvous with our planet on Friday the 13th is likely no salve to those who are superstitious.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for salve
Verb
He’s hired more than 1 million civil servants over the past year, salving the country’s unemployment crisis (and putting the state at even greater risk of bankruptcy).
—Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 28 Oct. 2025
Many want to salve their wounds and prepare for the battles ahead with generational change.
—Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2025
Noun
The Lakers limped painfully into the playoffs Saturday night only to delightfully discover a miracle salve.
—Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2026
While that risk of impact has been confidently ruled out, the date of its future rendezvous with our planet on Friday the 13th is likely no salve to those who are superstitious.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 16 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for salve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for salve
Verb
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But as more flyers turn to booze to soothe their nerves, the number of aggressive incidents on planes involving passengers has crept up.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
6 May 2026
-
Humectants pull water into the skin, occlusives create a barrier that seals moisture in and emollients soften and soothe the skin’s surface.—
Ryan Brennan
May 5,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 May 2026
Noun
-
After Francis’ revolutionary and sometimes divisive 12-year papacy, Leo has brought a calming balm to the Vatican and church at large.—
Nicole Winfield,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
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The act of singing with my sisters, Kara Jackson and Denitia, is a balm for my soul, and a wind at my back to keep on.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
8 May 2026
Verb
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De-stress, increase energy or calm your kiddos with the best Olly has for mood.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
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Energizing adaptogens tend to work best in the morning, while calming ones often fit better in the evening.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
7 May 2026
Noun
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Additional popsicle flavors include Abuelita chocolate, cajeta, chocolate banana, mixed berries, Oreo, rice pudding, strawberries and cream.—
Brock Keeling,
Oc Register,
7 May 2026
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This Melissa model is a crowd favorite for a reason — it’s structured, sophisticated, impressively cushioned, and composed of cream-of-the-crop leather that will last you for many years (if not decades) of careful wear.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
7 May 2026
Verb
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This tiny trans-Neptunian object, meanwhile, has a remarkably precarious atmosphere perhaps composed of methane, nitrogen or carbon monoxide that is 5 to 10 million times thinner than Earth's, Reuters reported.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
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Yet, despite the circumstances, the tour operator Oceanwide Expeditions says passengers remain composed.—
Hira Humayun,
CNN Money,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
Some families are also rejecting the eye ointment.—
Duaa Eldeib,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
-
Some families are also rejecting the eye ointment.—
Lee Hutchinson,
ArsTechnica,
6 May 2026
Verb
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The verdict As if its beautiful beaches and stunning lagoon aren’t enough to lull you into a sense of deep relaxation, Joali Being will stop at nothing to enhance your sense of wellbeing.—
Ann Lee,
TheWeek,
30 Apr. 2026
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The project was about permeating the masses, gradually lulling them with propaganda.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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While a big tub of the hydrating lotion is quite pricey, this travel-size version is on sale for $43 — and the ideal size for a carry-on bag!—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
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Certain beauty and skincare essentials aren’t conducive to being poured into reusable bottles, but for the ones that are—like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and face wash—refillable silicone bottles save an enormous amount of space in a toiletry bag.—
Kayla Kitts,
Travel + Leisure,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Salve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/salve. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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