Soothing ointment [12-13]
Published by Naitik Mehta · March 31, 2026
Stuck on the clue Soothing ointment [12-13] from the New York Times Midi for March 31, 2026? We have the correct 4-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?
Clue
Soothing ointment [12-13] (4)
Answer
The answer to Soothing ointment [12-13] is Balm (4 letters).
Some cells in this answer were drawn with a circle in the original puzzle — these often flag a hidden theme.
Why does Balm fit this clue?
This entry uses a circled-cell device: the letters L and M at positions 3 and 4 are visually circled in the grid, spelling LM together. These circled letters likely mark a thematic pattern that runs through multiple answers in this puzzle. The clue 'Soothing ointment' is a direct definition pointing to BALM, a fragrant ointment used to heal or soothe pain. Balm comes from aromatic resins and oils, and the word traces back to balsam, the resinous substance from certain trees. The bracketed numbers [12-13] suggest this clue connects to other entries in the puzzle, but the core relationship between 'soothing ointment' and BALM is straightforward definitional matching.
What does Soothing ointment [12-13] mean?
We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definitions below.
soothing
adjective
•having a calming or comforting effect
ointment
noun
•a smooth oily substance rubbed on the skin for medicinal purposes
Where did this clue appear?
This clue appeared as 16-across in the New York Times Midi on March 31, 2026, by Ian Livengood. See all answers for this puzzle.
NYT Midi — Mar 31, 2026
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What does Balm mean?
noun
•Any of various aromatic resins exuded from certain plants, especially trees of the genus Commiphora of Africa, Arabia and India and Myroxylon of South America.
•A plant or tree yielding such substance.
verb
•To anoint with balm, or with anything medicinal.
•To soothe; to mitigate.
Origin of the word Balm
•origin: Old French 'basme' from Latin 'balsamum' from Greek 'balsamon'
•period: 13th century
The word originally referred specifically to aromatic resin from the balsam tree used for embalming and medicinal purposes in ancient times.
How to use Balm in a sentence
Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Balm.
•“She applied the healing balm to her chapped lips to soothe the dry, cracked skin.”
•“The gentle music served as a balm to his troubled mind after the stressful day.”
•“Tiger balm is a popular topical ointment used to relieve muscle aches and pains.”
What are other crossword clues for Balm?
Learn about related clues
All clues from the New York Times Midi, Mar 31, 2026 crossword
The New York Times Midi for March 31, 2026 titled “Five in a Row” was published by Ian Livengood and has 33 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.
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Frequently asked questions about Soothing ointment [12-13]
- What is the answer to Soothing ointment [12-13]?
- The answer is Balm (4 letters).
- Where did this clue appear?
- This clue was last seen in the New York Times Midi on March 31, 2026.
- How many letters does the answer to Soothing ointment [12-13] have?
- The answer has 4 letters: Balm.
Author
Naitik Mehta
Co-founder
Naitik is a gaming enthusiast who loves solving daily word games and enjoys the friendly competition from time to time. He is the co-founder of Crossword Chef and enjoys thinking about how to make crossword solving more fun for everyone around the world.
Puzzle
NYT Midi — Mar 31, 2026
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