deliver

verb

di-ˈli-vər How to pronounce deliver (audio)
Definition of delivernext
1
as in to save
to free from the penalties or consequences of sin deliver us from evil

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2
as in to rescue
to remove from danger or harm the passengers waited for the rescue ship to come and deliver them

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to relinquish
to give (something) over to the control or possession of another usually under duress delivered up the ransom money

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4
as in to provide
to put (something) into the possession of someone for use or consumption the inn endeavors to deliver the luxuries that its well-heeled guests have come to expect

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5
as in to leave
to put (something) into the possession or safekeeping of another delivered the prisoners to the sheriff

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6
as in to succeed
to turn out as planned or desired finally, a summer blockbuster that delivers

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7
as in to produce
to bring forth from the womb she delivered four healthy babies

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8
as in to indulge
to give (oneself) over to something especially unrestrainedly deeply dissatisfied with his dissolute lifestyle, he resolved to deliver himself over to the ways of the Lord

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb deliver contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of deliver are ransom, reclaim, redeem, rescue, and save. While all these words mean "to set free from confinement or danger," deliver implies release usually of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering.

delivered his people from bondage

When can ransom be used instead of deliver?

The words ransom and deliver are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ransom specifically applies to buying out of captivity.

tried to ransom the kidnap victim

Where would reclaim be a reasonable alternative to deliver?

In some situations, the words reclaim and deliver 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 is it sensible to use redeem instead of deliver?

The synonyms redeem and deliver are sometimes interchangeable, but redeem implies releasing from bondage or penalties by giving what is demanded or necessary.

job training designed to redeem school dropouts from chronic unemployment

In what contexts can rescue take the place of deliver?

The words rescue and deliver can be used in similar contexts, but rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action.

rescued the crew of a sinking ship

When could save be used to replace deliver?

Although the words save and deliver have much in common, 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

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 deliver Streaking downfield toward the opposing goal, Silvetti delivered a perfect cross to Messi that resulted in his second goal of the match and contributed to a 4-0 blowout victory for Inter Miami over Nashville SC, which advanced their club to the MLS Eastern Conference semifinals. —Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 9 Nov. 2025 However, the primary mission of Blue Origin’s January launch — delivering a test satellite called the Blue Ring Pathfinder to orbit — went off without a hitch, prompting the company to declare the flight a success. —Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025 Cornell’s eldest daughter Lily took the stage following a video tribute to her father, delivering a touching speech and acknowledging her mother and Cornell’s former wife, Susan Silver, who once managed Soundgarden. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 9 Nov. 2025 Lauper delivered her speech next, kicking it off with the comedy she’s known for. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deliver
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deliver
  1. save
  2. rescue
  3. relinquish
  4. provide
  5. leave
  6. succeed
  7. produce
  8. indulge
Verb
  • Our clean energy and wildfire prevention efforts are saving billions—both in disaster costs and everyday bills.
    — MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
  • My father had two superpowers that saved him in the face of all those failures—his talent for telling stories and gardening.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
Definition of save
Verb
  • The ship sank quickly, leaving 33 men to perish in the cold waters, and two to be rescued around 5 miles from Gull Island on a raft 15 hours later.
    — Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 4 Nov. 2025
  • Saint Frances Wolf Sanctuary Saint Frances Wolf Sanctuary rescues wolves and wolf-dogs in need from across the country.
    — Jill Robbins, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2025
Definition of rescue
Verb
  • Though Judge and Simon were legally granted equal custody of their three children upon their split, Judge relinquished custody of Sidney to Simon after their daughter opted to live with him full time.
    — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
  • According to the Associated Press, US Magistrate Judge Donald Cabell released Ortiz on a $500,000 bond, mandated that the 26-year-old relinquish his passport, and restricted his travel to the local area, among other stipulations.
    — David Close, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
Definition of relinquish
Verb
  • The study also provides a previously unidentified constraint for models of tidal heat production, shell thickness, and the long-term evolution of Enceladus’ ocean.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The indictment contends that Jones provided information regarding key players on the Los Angeles Lakers’ status in advance of games on two dates to enable third-parties to make potentially favorable bets.
    — Samidh Guha, ABC News, 9 Nov. 2025
Definition of provide
Verb
  • Even leaving these facts aside, neither the doctrinaire socialism nor militant Islam have ever improved any place on earth, and New York City will not be the first.
    — Newsweek Contributors, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • To keep her safe Hekate’s mother leaves her in the underworld with the goddess Styx and Hades.
    — Amber McBride, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
Definition of leave
Verb
  • Eventually, however, the astronaut Dave Bowman succeeds at deactivating HAL, ignoring the computer’s desperate pleas to stop.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The new mayor will succeed Eric Adams, who was elected in 2021.
    — Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
Definition of succeed
Verb
  • Maintain a safe distance from large vehicles - Trucks or buses can produce a water spray that hampers visibility.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Nov. 2025
  • The batteries are also expected to be smaller, lighter, and cheaper to produce than existing lithium-ion packs.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025
Definition of produce
Verb
  • Rather than shaming you for your preferences, Sohm will indulge your desires.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Here in the heart of the Alps, Rosita, who passed away in January, fully indulged her passion for mushrooms and foraging.
    — Laura May Todd, Architectural Digest, 6 Nov. 2025
Definition of indulge

Phrases Containing deliver

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deliver
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Cite this Entry

“Deliver.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deliver. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

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