Synonyms of redeem

redeem

verb

ri-ˈdēm 

1

as in to fulfill

to do what is required by the terms of

the Little League coach redeemed his promise to take the players out for ice cream if they improved their fielding over the season

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fulfill
• satisfy
• keep
• complete
• meet
• fill
• make good
• comply (with)
• answer
• finalize
• abide by
• accomplish
• achieve
• execute
• finish
• make
• perfect
• conclude
• carry out
• effect
• commit
• consummate
• bring about
• perform
• bring off
• discharge
• compass
• follow through (with)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• break
• violate
• breach
• forget
• transgress
• ignore
• pass over
• slight
• disregard
• overlook
• neglect
• default (on)
• overpass

2

as in to save

to free from captivity or punishment by paying a price

the government has consistently refused to redeem hostages captured by terrorists

Synonyms & Similar Words

• save
• ransom
• rescue
• retrieve
• recover
• release
• regain
• liberate
• buy
• get back
• bail
• deliver
• emancipate
• salvage

3

as in to forgive

to free from the penalties or consequences of sin

the belief that sinners are redeemed by their faith in God

Synonyms & Similar Words

• save
• forgive
• deliver
• reclaim
• pardon
• bless
• reform
• remit
• purify
• sanctify
• consecrate
• shrive
• hallow

4

as in to rehabilitate

to make better in behavior or character

the unfaithful husband made a determined effort to redeem himself in the eyes of his wife and children

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rehabilitate
• reclaim
• improve
• regenerate
• restore
• reform
• habilitate
• refine
• amend
• reeducate
• purify
• cleanse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• subvert
• poison
• degrade
• corrupt
• lower
• prostitute
• demean
• demoralize
• warp
• pervert
• debauch
• profane
• abase
• deprave
• canker

5

as in to compensate

to make up for (an offense)

quickly redeemed the offending remark with a sincere and unconditional apology

Synonyms & Similar Words

• compensate
• repay
• expiate
• amend
• correct
• make amends for
• atone (for)
• reimburse
• make good for
• rectify
• mend
• redress
• remunerate
• recompense
• propitiate

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb redeem contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of redeem are deliver, ransom, reclaim, rescue, and save. While all these words mean "to set free from confinement or danger," 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 is deliver a more appropriate choice than redeem?

The words deliver and redeem can be used in similar contexts, but 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 redeem?

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

tried to ransom the kidnap victim

When might reclaim be a better fit than redeem?

The synonyms reclaim and redeem are sometimes interchangeable, but reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased.

reclaimed long-abandoned farms

When would rescue be a good substitute for redeem?

While in some cases nearly identical to redeem, rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action.

rescued the crew of a sinking ship

In what contexts can save take the place of redeem?

The words save and redeem are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Recent Examples of redeem

Here’s how to claim your lottery prize All Arizona Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $100 and may redeem winnings up to $599. —Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 15 Feb. 2026

Since Heathcliff seems to lose all redeeming qualities after Cathy’s death, turning into a truly miserable and vengeful man, book devotees likely have a far less romantic vision of him than what is presented in the film. —Ellise Shafer, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026

After that deadline, they can’t be redeemed, and their customers have no recourse, Rossman said. —Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026

Cost savings won’t be enough to redeem the decision in some residents’ eyes. —Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 25 Jan. 2026