salve crossword – All Crossword Answers

Q: What does 'salve' typically mean in crosswords?

In crosswords, 'salve' most commonly refers to a healing ointment or balm. However, it can also relate to its other meanings, such as to 'greet' (as a verb, related to 'hail' or 'salute') or to 'save'/'rescue' (though less common in noun form).

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "salve crossword", you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle.

Solutions for "salve crossword" by Letter Count

4 Letters

BALM: A soothing ointment or cream, often used to alleviate pain or dryness.

HAIL: To greet or salute, especially with enthusiasm, playing on the 'greeting' meaning of salve.

5 Letters

GREET: To give a polite welcome or recognition to someone, aligning with 'salve' as a form of address.

6 Letters

SOOTHE: To gently calm a person or their feelings, or to relieve pain or discomfort, which is a primary function of a salve.

REMEDY: A cure or solution for a problem or illness, relating to 'salve' as something that fixes or relieves.

7 Letters

UNGUENT: A soft greasy or viscous substance, especially one used as an ointment or for lubrication.

8 Letters

OINTMENT: A smooth oily preparation rubbed on the skin for medicinal purposes or as a cosmetic, a direct synonym for salve.

More About "salve crossword"

"Salve" is a word with a fascinating duality, making it a frequent and sometimes tricky contender in crossword puzzles. Its primary meaning, and likely the first that comes to mind, is that of a medicinal ointment or balm, applied to heal or soothe. This brings forth answers such as OINTMENT, BALM, or UNGUENT, all referring to topical applications for relief.

However, "salve" also functions as a verb, meaning to greet or salute, much like "hail." This second meaning broadens the possibilities significantly, leading to answers like GREET or HAIL. Furthermore, it can imply a soothing or mollifying action, as in 'to salve one's conscience' or 'to salve a difficult situation', aligning with words like SOOTHE or REMEDY.

When encountering "salve" in a crossword, it's crucial to consider the letter count and any intersecting words you've already filled in. This contextual information will often point you towards the correct interpretation – whether the puzzle setter intends the literal healing cream, the act of greeting, or the more abstract notion of providing comfort or a solution.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Check Letter Count First: Always confirm the exact number of letters required for the answer. This is your most immediate filter for possible solutions.
Think Synonyms and Homonyms: For words like "salve" with multiple meanings, brainstorm synonyms for each definition. Also, consider homonyms or words that sound similar but have different spellings and meanings, as crosswords sometimes play on these.
Look for Intersecting Clues: The letters revealed by correctly solving intersecting clues are invaluable. They can confirm your suspicions or eliminate incorrect answers quickly.
Consider Parts of Speech: Is the clue asking for a noun, a verb, or an adjective? This can significantly narrow down your options, especially for words with multiple forms like 'salve'.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "salve" typically mean in crosswords?

In crosswords, "salve" most commonly refers to a healing ointment or balm. However, it can also relate to its other meanings, such as to "greet" (as a verb, related to "hail" or "salute") or to "save"/"rescue" (though less common in noun form).

Are there multiple meanings of "salve" to consider when solving crossword clues?

Absolutely! The beauty and challenge of crosswords often lie in words with multiple meanings. "Salve" can refer to a soothing substance, a greeting, or even to "salve" a conscience or a situation, meaning to remedy or assuage. Always consider the context provided by other intersecting words.

How can I narrow down answers for a clue like "salve"?

Start by checking the number of letters required. Then, consider common synonyms for each meaning of "salve" that fit that length. For example, if it's 4 letters, think "BALM" or "HAIL". If more letters, "OINTMENT" or "UNGUENT". Also, look at any surrounding letters you've already filled in from other clues – these will be your strongest guide.