What does "salem" mean?
The biblical place ruled by Melchizedek; mostly identified with Jerusalem.
Salem
/ˈseɪləm/ name
name ·Uncommon ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The biblical place ruled by Melchizedek; mostly identified with Jerusalem.
- Grammar: salem is listed as name.
- Nearest alternatives: ancient city, biblical city, city, given name.
- Useful contrasts: countryside, modern city, nonbiblical city.
- Usage evidence: When I was in Salem, I would often play tennis with John.
How to use "salem"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "salem" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "salem" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "salem" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "salem" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "salem" is acting as name in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "ancient city" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "salem", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Proper Noun
- 1 The biblical place ruled by Melchizedek; mostly identified with Jerusalem.
- 2 A town and district in Tamil Nadu, India.
- 3 Any of several places in the USA:; The capital city of Oregon, United States and the county seat of Marion County.
- 4 Any of several places in the USA:; A city, the county seat of Fulton County, Arkansas.
- 5 Any of several places in the USA:; An unincorporated community in Pike County, Arkansas.
Show 14 more definitions
- 6 Any of several places in the USA:; A census-designated place in Saline County, Arkansas.
- 7 Any of several places in the USA:; A city, the county seat of Marion County, Illinois.
- 8 Any of several places in the USA:; A city in Massachusetts, United States and one of the two county seats of Essex County; the site of infamous witch-hunts, trials and executions in 1692.
- 9 Any of several places in the USA:; A city, the county seat of Washington County, Indiana.
- 10 Any of several places in the USA:; A city, the county seat of Dent County, Missouri.
"The third Iraq veteran -- 23-year-old Cloy Richards of Salem, Missouri, who was wounded in combat -- will avoid losing his disability benefits after agreeing not to wear his uniform at future protests, the Marine Corps said."
- 11 Any of several places in the USA:; A city, the county seat of Salem County, New Jersey.
- 12 Any of several places in the USA:; A town in Rockingham County, New Hampshire.
- 13 Any of several places in the USA:; A city, the county seat of McCook County, South Dakota.
- 14 Any of several places in the USA:; An independent city, the county seat of Roanoke County, Virginia.
- 15 Any of several places in the USA:; An unincorporated community and former town, now in Salem Lakes, Kenosha County, Wisconsin.
- 16 Any of several places in the USA:; A number of townships, listed under Salem Township.
- 17 A municipality of Stockholm, Sweden.
- 18 A town in Montserrat, which was evacuated and later resettled.
- 19 A female given name from Hebrew.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"When I was in Salem, I would often play tennis with John."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "salem"?
Common synonyms include: ancient city, biblical city, city, given name, holy city, jerusalem.
How do you use "salem" in a sentence?
When I was in Salem, I would often play tennis with John.
How do you pronounce "salem"?
Pronounced /ˈseɪləm/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Biblical Hebrew שָׁלֵם (šālēm) (Genesis 14:18).
Etymology 2
From Tamil சேலம் (cēlam).