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

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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

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save

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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
This shows that there are at least a few sane people in government who are willing to take an unpopular stance and buck the president to save the country. Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025 Goodson, the homeowner in Maine, was able to save big money with his engineering background and penchant for DIY. Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 20 June 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
  • Last Verified On June 22, 2025 Information Confirmed By Newsweek All of these offers are easy to redeem with the Fanatics Sportsbook promo offer.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 June 2025
  • Scooter's Coffee offers BOGO deal on Father's Day Scooter's Coffee customers can redeem a buy one, get one drink offer on Sunday, June 15 in the Scooter's Coffee mobile app.
    Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 15 June 2025
Verb
  • For one prospective graduate student, an admission to Harvard’s Graduate School of Education had rescued her educational dreams.
    Sara Braun, Fortune, 21 June 2025
  • In New Hampshire, the state says people may be required to pay back the costs to rescue them.
    Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Or perhaps, given his age and the need to conserve his minutes somewhat during the regular season, the Leafs could opt to use him in a more depth role.
    Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 19 June 2025
  • This level of automation conserves resources, boosts accuracy and speed, facilitates early defect detection and improves platform quality, enhancing the customer experience.
    Prasad Banala, Forbes.com, 17 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
  • Spending for human services, K-12 education and municipal aid has grown — albeit not by as much as Democrats want — and Connecticut will again dedicate much of the outgoing budget’s $2 billion-plus surplus toward reducing pension debt.
    Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025
  • Cyrus dedicated a sweet tribute to her on Instagram at the time.
    Jack Irvin, People.com, 17 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
  • Each of their three goals was well-worked in their own way, pulling Pachuca’s shape apart with such ease that you would be forgiven for thinking Alonso’s side were the ones with the player advantage.
    Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • But even the most committed cinephiles should forgive anyone who averts their gaze from Camp and Wilson’s disastrous misfire.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Because after trading for Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges, New York no longer has draft capital to spare.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
  • Then there is the prodigious talent of Warren Zaire-Emery, 19, whose 23 Ligue 1 starts in the heart of PSG’s midfield were crucial to them winning the league title with six games to spare.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 18 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Save.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/save. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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