savior

play

noun sav·ior \ ˈsāv-yər also -ˌyȯr \

variants: or saviour

Definition of savior

1 :one that saves from danger or destruction

2 :one who brings salvation; specifically, capitalized :jesus 1

See savior defined for English-language learners

See savior defined for kids

Examples of savior in a Sentence

We all felt that she was our savior.
the policeman proved to be our savior, arriving on the scene just as we were about to be mugged

Recent Examples of savior from the Web

But Hollywood's real savior might not arrive until Dec. 15, when Star Wars: The Last Jedi soars into theaters.

— tom huddleston, Fortune, "Hollywood Is About to Post Its Worst Summer Box Office in Recent Memory," 29 Aug. 2017
That edition proved to be a savior, given tough competition in metro New York.

— james warren, The Hive, "Is The New York Times vs. The Washington Post vs. Trump the Last Great Newspaper War?," 2 Aug. 2017
Emma Strood played savior for her team, allowing a single run over the final five innings as the Hotshots came away 5-1 winners over the Georgia Impact Langston.

— andrew turner, Daily Pilot, "Strood, Jones play key roles in DS Hotshots Gold winning PGF 12U division," 29 July 2017
To be the savior who rides in and, having had his eyes opened by his own recent health issues, stops his hard-hearted colleagues from putting millions of American lives at risk by taking away their health care.

— jack moore, GQ, "John McCain Voted to Approve the Bill He Said He Would Not Vote For," 26 July 2017
But even more important will be for the Iraqi government to address the grievances and distrust that encouraged some to initially welcome the militants as saviors.

— andrew katz, TIME.com, "‘My mind will stay there forever’," 17 July 2017
The fuel was once viewed—particularly in Europe—as a potential savior, since diesel engines offer much better fuel economy and emit much less CO2 per mile than engines that run on gasoline.

— jonathan m. gitlin, Ars Technica, "A diesel emissions test you can’t game? We try it out," 14 July 2017
The team, Turbo Track Club, found an unexpected savior.

— jonas shaffer, baltimoresun.com, "Chad Johnson is helping a Baltimore track team make it to the Junior Olympics," 11 July 2017
An oily girl's summer savior — this lightweight lotion gives you a satisfying splash of moisture, with absolutely zero stickiness, greasiness, or residue.

— jessica chia, Allure, "Shiseido WASO Skincare Collection Is Every Beauty Minimalist's Dream," 11 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'savior.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of savior

Middle English saveour, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin salvator, from salvare to save

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

savior Synonyms

Synonyms

deliverer, redeemer, rescuer, saver

Related Words

custodian, defender, guard, guardian, keeper, lookout, protector, sentinel, sentry, warden, warder, watch, watcher, watchman; ransomer; salvager, salvor

Other Christian Religious Terms

Pentateuch, blasphemy, curate, doxology, eremite, iconoclasm, liturgy, orison, pneuma, reliquary

SAVIOR Defined for English Language Learners

savior

play

noun

Definition of savior for English Language Learners

: someone who saves something or someone from danger, harm, failure, etc.
Savior —used by Christians to refer to Jesus Christ

SAVIOR Defined for Kids

savior

noun sav·ior

variants: or saviour \ˈsāv-yər\

Definition of savior for Students

1 :a person who saves someone or something from danger or harm

2 capitalized :jesus christ

Learn More about savior

See words that rhyme with savior Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for savior Spanish Central: Translation of savior Nglish: Translation of savior for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of savior for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up savior? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

savior

Definition of savior

Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd

Examples of savior in a Sentence

Recent Examples of savior from the Web

Origin and Etymology of savior

savior Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Other Christian Religious Terms

SAVIOR Defined for English Language Learners

savior

Definition of savior for English Language Learners

SAVIOR Defined for Kids

savior

Definition of savior for Students

Learn More about savior

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Breathing Life Into 'Inspire'

Trending: Kim Jong Un: Trump a 'Dotard'

These Are Fighting Words

Merriam-Webster's New Words Quiz—Fall 2017 Edition!

Words of the Year: 1066