rescue 1 of 2

as in salvation
the saving from danger or evil stranded people hoping for rescue from the rising floodwaters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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rescue

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb rescue contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rescue are deliver, ransom, reclaim, redeem, and save. While all these words mean "to set free from confinement or danger," rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action.

rescued the crew of a sinking ship

When is deliver a more appropriate choice than rescue?

In some situations, the words deliver and rescue are roughly equivalent. However, deliver implies release usually of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering.

delivered his people from bondage

When is it sensible to use ransom instead of rescue?

The synonyms ransom and rescue are sometimes interchangeable, but ransom specifically applies to buying out of captivity.

tried to ransom the kidnap victim

In what contexts can reclaim take the place of rescue?

Although the words reclaim and rescue have much in common, reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased.

reclaimed long-abandoned farms

When might redeem be a better fit than rescue?

The words redeem and rescue can be used in similar contexts, 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

When can save be used instead of rescue?

The meanings of save and rescue largely overlap; however, 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 rescue
Noun
A day later, three mountain bikers who were not part of the search and rescue effort discovered Wayment on a remote trail in Camas County about 17 miles from where her vehicle was found, the sheriff’s office said. Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 1 Oct. 2025 As of Wednesday, Oct 1, rescue teams have located at least six children alive in the rubble, CNN reported. Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
The boat contained eight Chinese occupants, including one who reportedly jumped or fell into the sea before being rescued soon afterward. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Oct. 2025 One of the people injured had to be rescued from underneath the helicopter before all three were rushed to local hospitals, according to CNN. Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rescue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rescue
Noun
  • Though the song order is Easter egg intentional – as with everything Swift – it’s bookended by a declaration of romantic salvation and a narrative from the perspective of a weary, yet defiant showgirl.
    Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Against the backdrop of New York’s Hudson Valley, the film explores faith, madness, autonomy, and the fragile boundary between salvation and delusion.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Blood is always poised and ready to clot, because the body sees this as a life-saving mechanism.
    Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Is intuitive budgeting effective for saving money?
    Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Firefighter Caleb Halvorson, 26, was brought home Monday by his crew and will continue his long recovery and rehabilitation at home, the Fort Worth Fire Department said in a statement.
    Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2025
  • As far as recovery matches go, a clash with eight-time winners OL wouldn’t be the preferred choice.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • So there are ways for this year’s ceremonies to salvage a weaker field and make a strong statement — but there’s always the fear that Grammys gonna Grammy.
    Alan Light, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Wallace salvaged fifth at the flag.
    Alex Harrington, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Rescue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rescue. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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