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
America’s millionaires are now mostly on the coasts, in states with expensive real estate and high income jobs that generate more possibilities to save and invest. Mark Dent, HubSpot, 16 May 2025 What with it able to save passwords and autofill them across both Android and iOS platforms. Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 4 May 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
  • Benning redeemed himself minutes later, threading a blue-line blast through traffic on a late-period power play to tie the game at 2-2, reawakening the Charlotte crowd and shifting momentum back to the home team.
    Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 17 May 2025
  • Chargers Jim Harbaugh taking a new approach to evaluating Chargers’ rookie talent May 10, 2025 Week 17, HOUSTON, TBD: Herbert can redeem himself against the defense that grabbed four interceptions in the Chargers’ 2024 playoff flop.
    Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • The Browns may have an opportunity to rescue themselves from a similar abyss.
    Jeff Howe, New York Times, 16 May 2025
  • Sandra Oh and more, the new Smurfs will follow the residents of Smurf Village banding together to rescue Papa Smurf after he is captured by an evil wizard.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • In Dubai, a hotel uses AI to dynamically adjust water pressure and temperature in real time, conserving millions of liters annually.
    Dan Drogman, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • Jackson, who was born in London, is an ambassador for the Elephant Family, a charity working to conserve Asian wildlife founded by Queen Camilla's brother, the late Mark Shand.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 8 May 2025
  • Among those that would like to see the building preserved are the members of the Steptoe Lives Coalition.
    David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • That milestone was recognized at the start of this past season, with the Heat dedicating its home court to Riley.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025
  • By cutting $260 million, ARPA-E can dedicate its resources to funding a narrower set of high-risk, high-reward programs that could make a significant contribution to America’s energy goals.
    Jack Spencer, Boston Herald, 13 May 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
  • Barack Obama faced injunctions against Obamacare and Joe Biden's plan to forgive student loans was blocked.
    Bart Jansen, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • Perhaps because he was banished for the last 36 years of his life, Rose could be forgiven in death and honored with a plaque.
    Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • The conventional wisdom is that the startup sector has been spared the impacts of tariffs because startups are often service providers in tech, software, web, crypto, AI etc.
    Nish Acharya, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • Trails need help—money, time, energy—that many working Americans do not have the ability to spare.
    Grayson Haver Currin, Outside Online, 12 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Save.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/save. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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