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preserve

verb

pri-ˈzərv How to pronounce preserve (audio)
Definition of preservenext
as in to conserve
to keep in good condition vigilantly preserving the ancient statue for future generations to enjoy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 preserve Across London, a host of makers are hard at work preserving and promoting the city's artistic roots. — Clare Coulson, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026 Project managers should treat roadmaps as living planning tools, updating them regularly and communicating changes early instead of preserving unrealistic timelines. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2026 More years doesn’t mean healthier years BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, for example, has suggested that America could rethink its retirement age to preserve programs like Social Security for younger generations. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026 The stock's recovery from that area helps preserve its bullish long-term structure following the recent pullback. — Katie Stockton, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preserve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preserve
  1. conserve
  2. maintain
  3. save
  4. protect
Verb
  • Ducks—hunting them, conserving them, talking about them—are her life.
    — Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Once securely attached, the drone can shut down its motors and remain perched, reducing noise and conserving battery power.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of conserve
Verb
  • Furnace monitoring and high-temperature measurement systems, for example, require optical windows that can maintain their performance while allowing sensors or cameras to observe processes taking place at elevated temperatures.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026
  • During that time, legendary Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer made the Hokies a brand on the national stage, while UVA struggled to maintain relevancy in the ACC.
    — The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of maintain
Verb
  • British driver Ollie Millroy thanked rival Loek Hartog for saving his life after the Dutch racer stopped and pulled him from a burning Ferrari during a China GT Championship race in Shanghai on Saturday.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 7 Sep. 2026
  • This was early November, three weeks before the famous formation change (to a 5-3-2) at Manchester City in their next away fixture which saved Leeds’ season.
    — Beren Cross, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of save
Verb
  • Brughmans’ work outside of protecting his own goal is equally interesting.
    — Matt Pyzdrowski, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Rice lipids and jojoba oil seal in moisture and replenish the skin barrier, while 2% ectoin soothes redness and protects against water loss.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of protect

Browse Nearby Words

preservative
preserve
preserved
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preserve. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on preserve

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about preserve

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