save 1 of 2

1
as in to redeem
to free from the penalties or consequences of sin the Christian belief that Jesus lived and died to save humanity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to rescue
to remove from danger or harm the firefighters managed to save the family just as the burning building was collapsing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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save

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preposition

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb save contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of save are deliver, ransom, reclaim, redeem, and rescue. While all these words mean "to set free from confinement or danger," save may replace any of the foregoing terms; it may further imply a preserving or maintaining for usefulness or continued existence.

an operation that saved my life

In what contexts can deliver take the place of save?

The words deliver and save are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deliver implies release usually of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering.

delivered his people from bondage

Where would ransom be a reasonable alternative to save?

Although the words ransom and save have much in common, ransom specifically applies to buying out of captivity.

tried to ransom the kidnap victim

When is reclaim a more appropriate choice than save?

In some situations, the words reclaim and save are roughly equivalent. However, reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased.

reclaimed long-abandoned farms

When would redeem be a good substitute for save?

While in some cases nearly identical to save, redeem implies releasing from bondage or penalties by giving what is demanded or necessary.

job training designed to redeem school dropouts from chronic unemployment

When could rescue be used to replace save?

The synonyms rescue and save are sometimes interchangeable, but rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action.

rescued the crew of a sinking ship

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of save
Verb
At best, the new tax break means many seniors will save some money on taxes over four years. Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 14 July 2025 Their bravery and quick action undoubtedly saved many lives. Shane Croucher john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Preposition
As of Sunday, all other airlines have already ended their flights to mainland China from SFO, which normally has more departures to China than any other U.S. airport save Los Angeles International. Mallory Moench, SFChronicle.com, 12 Feb. 2020 But all the candidates save Sanders were in Selma on Thursday to mark the 55th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Howard Koplowitz | Hkoplowitz@al.com, al, 4 Mar. 2020 See All Example Sentences for save
Recent Examples of Synonyms for save
Verb
  • This promo from Caesars Sportsbook is easy to redeem.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
  • And once a company goes public, users can redeem their tokens for the market equivalent in a stablecoin.
    Tor Constantino, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • Two cats, a ferret and a dog were rescued, though the dog, a German shepherd, escaped and has not been found, fire Chief David Haywood said.
    Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Two residents were rescued from windows as the house burned.
    Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • There is probably no better example of a shortstop conserving his throwing arm than the one who left town Thursday night, Texas Rangers star Corey Seager.
    Mike Digiovanna, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
  • Suggesting that extinction can be reversed through technology risks undermining the urgency of conserving existing species and ecosystems, critics say.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • So, how can your clean-label brand preserve its reputation and product integrity when higher tariffs threaten this promise?
    Eran Mizrahi, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • Interoperability frees employees from repetitive tasks and enables them to dedicate their time to creativity, strategic thinking and high-value problem-solving.
    Cynthia Tee, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
  • And these options are on the table: in Texas, voters will decide in November whether to dedicate an additional $1 billion annually to the state’s Water Fund, money that could be used to support flood resilience.
    Katharine Hayhoe, Time, 10 July 2025
Preposition
  • At Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort, face masks are required in public areas, except when dining or swimming, capacity of public areas will be limited, and housekeeping and public area attendants will increase their cleaning procedures.
    Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2020
  • The city advised all residents to stay inside except those going to and from work and anyone seeking or giving emergency care, according to Mayor Eric Garcetti's official Twitter account.
    NBC News, NBC News, 1 June 2020
Verb
  • Quynh eventually learns to forgive Andy and move past their issues because of her newfound mortality.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 3 July 2025
  • This second mortgage is forgiven in increments of 20% per year over a five-year term.
    JP Shaffer Updated July 3, Miami Herald, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • Both Sweden and Germany went into the game having already qualified for the knockout stages of the UEFA Women’s Euro with a game to spare.
    Asif Burhan, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • Our favorite style is made of maple wood and has a handy juice groove to spare your countertop from any drippings.
    Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Save.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/save. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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