balmEnglishOxford American Thesaurusbalm noun 1 a skin balm for use after shaving: ointment, lotion, cream, salve, liniment, embrocation, rub, gel, emollient, unguent, balsam, moisturizer; pomade, pomatum; technical demulcent, humectant; archaic unction. ▷antonyms astringent; irritant. 2 the murmur of the water can provide balm for troubled spirits: relief, comfort, ease, consolation, cheer, solace; alleviation, mitigation, assuagement, healing. ▷antonyms exacerbation.