save 1 of 2

Definition of savenext
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

Relevance
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

2 of 2

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
Clark had a collection of par saves around the turn as Scottie Scheffler was making a move and poured it on with a 3-wood to 4 feet for eagle on the par-5 16th, leading to an even-par 70 that gave him a six-shot edge going into the final round. Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026 Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene, the department said. Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 21 June 2026
Preposition
But all the candidates save Sanders were in Selma on Thursday to mark the 55th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Howard Koplowitz | [email protected], al, 4 Mar. 2020 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 See All Example Sentences for save
Recent Examples of Synonyms for save
Verb
  • Winners have to go to a Florida Lottery district office to redeem these winning tickets.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back.
    Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Two roofs collapsed at the Park Place Apartments in the town of Newburgh, trapping a woman who had to be rescued by emergency officials, Wilder said.
    Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 22 June 2026
  • Detectives from Lake County, Illinois, Sheriff's office rescued a girl under 14 from a grown man who had traveled from Georgia to meet her this weekend, authorities said Sunday.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Vineyards and winemaking utilize sustainable practices, including protecting the adjacent Napa River, naturally managing pests by installing bird and owl boxes among the vines, maintaining healthy soil, and conserving water.
    Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 19 June 2026
  • The board determined at the time that Colorado needed $100 million per year for projects to improve river and stream health and restoration, to replace the agricultural industry’s aging irrigation systems and to conserve as much water as possible.
    Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Developers will preserve about 1,200 acres and plan 26 miles of trails, with portions in the Hickory Creek area.
    Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026
  • Georgia Tech officials said preserving capacity while modernizing the fan experience was a key goal of the project.
    CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • At 71 years old, she is set to retire from teaching at Mesa Public Schools this year and dedicate herself to weaving full-time.
    Lua Vollaard, ARTnews.com, 24 June 2026
  • Those are the two areas López would be best off dedicating all his time and energy to over the next two years.
    John Hollinger, New York Times, 24 June 2026
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
  • Schmidt can be forgiven for making this headline-grabbing prediction.
    Rob Toews, Forbes.com, 22 June 2026
  • Philodendrons are easy and forgiving enough for beginners, but even more experienced gardeners love them for their variety of foliage and easy care.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Alex Freeman was spared the Junior moniker in an effort to avoid expectations.
    Rick Maese, Washington Post, 20 June 2026
  • Residents told The Associated Press they were relieved that Tyre had been spared in recent days, but now they were reminded that the war isn’t over.
    Kareem Chehayeb, Fortune, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Save.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/save. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

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