save 1 of 2

1
as in to redeem
to free from the penalties or consequences of sin the Christian belief that Jesus lived and died to save humanity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to rescue
to remove from danger or harm the firefighters managed to save the family just as the burning building was collapsing

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
4
5

save

2 of 2

preposition

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb save contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of save are deliver, ransom, reclaim, redeem, and rescue. While all these words mean "to set free from confinement or danger," 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

In what contexts can deliver take the place of save?

The words deliver and save are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deliver implies release usually of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering.

delivered his people from bondage

Where would ransom be a reasonable alternative to save?

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

tried to ransom the kidnap victim

When is reclaim a more appropriate choice than save?

In some situations, the words reclaim and save 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 would redeem be a good substitute for save?

While in some cases nearly identical to save, 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 could rescue be used to replace save?

The synonyms rescue and save are sometimes interchangeable, but rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action.

rescued the crew of a sinking ship

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 save
Verb
And if your heart wasn't pounding already, Edward saves Bella from a post-delivery death in a nail-biting finale. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 1 July 2025 In the year 2025, when an ex-Packers great in Aaron Rodgers is trying to save Pittsburgh, this kind of a blockbuster swap would only be fitting. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025
Preposition
As of Sunday, all other airlines have already ended their flights to mainland China from SFO, which normally has more departures to China than any other U.S. airport save Los Angeles International. Mallory Moench, SFChronicle.com, 12 Feb. 2020 But all the candidates save Sanders were in Selma on Thursday to mark the 55th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Howard Koplowitz | Hkoplowitz@al.com, al, 4 Mar. 2020 See All Example Sentences for save
Recent Examples of Synonyms for save
Verb
  • This promo from Caesars Sportsbook is easy to redeem.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
  • And once a company goes public, users can redeem their tokens for the market equivalent in a stablecoin.
    Tor Constantino, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • Two Disney Cruise Line passengers were rescued over the weekend after a child went overboard and her father jumped in after her.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 30 June 2025
  • Thanks to the response from the ship’s crew, both were rescued within minutes.
    Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Without an economic reason to sustain wildlife populations, they won’t be conserved long-term through benevolence alone.
    Chris Dorsey, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Keep up with watering and mulch to help conserve moisture.
    Janet B. Carson, Arkansas Online, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Learn about raptor migration patterns and the impact the Center is having on understanding and preserving these magnificent birds in our local area.
    Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 June 2025
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    Eric E. Harrison, Arkansas Online, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • Ellie of Arizona has spent years dedicating her time and energy to helping animals.
    Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 June 2025
  • Meanwhile, on a more frivolous note, Corriere dedicated a piece to the wedding’s security details.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 28 June 2025
Preposition
  • At Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort, face masks are required in public areas, except when dining or swimming, capacity of public areas will be limited, and housekeeping and public area attendants will increase their cleaning procedures.
    Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2020
  • The city advised all residents to stay inside except those going to and from work and anyone seeking or giving emergency care, according to Mayor Eric Garcetti's official Twitter account.
    NBC News, NBC News, 1 June 2020
Verb
  • And the nation could be forgiven for wanting to take a collective shower.
    Marco della Cava, USA Today, 3 July 2025
  • This second mortgage is forgiven in increments of 20% per year over a five-year term.
    JP Shaffer Updated July 3, Miami Herald, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • Kincaid may seem ruthless, but Koepp gives him a more sympathetic backstory, suggesting that the grieving mercenary recently lost a child and may sacrifice himself in order to spare another, if given such a chance.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 30 June 2025
  • Two other lawmakers were spared the night of the shootings, officials said.
    Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 27 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Save.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/save. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on save

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!