Synonyms of ransom

ransom 1 of 2

verb

as in to save

to free from captivity or punishment by paying a price

the prince emptied the treasury to ransom his son from the kidnappers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

ransom

2 of 2

noun

as in recovery

Synonyms & Similar Words

• recovery
• redemption
• rescue
• salvation
• deliverance
• security
• protection
• defense
• safeguard
• preservation
• safekeeping
• safeguarding
• guardianship
• extrication
• conservation
• guard

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb ransom contrast with its synonyms?

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

tried to ransom the kidnap victim

When is deliver a more appropriate choice than ransom?

The words deliver and ransom 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

In what contexts can reclaim take the place of ransom?

The meanings of reclaim and ransom largely overlap; however, reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased.

reclaimed long-abandoned farms

When is it sensible to use redeem instead of ransom?

The synonyms redeem and ransom are sometimes interchangeable, 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 might rescue be a better fit than ransom?

In some situations, the words rescue and ransom are roughly equivalent. However, rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action.

rescued the crew of a sinking ship

Where would save be a reasonable alternative to ransom?

The words save and ransom can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Examples of ransom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Some of the victims said they have been enslaved and sold to work on the farms of RSF commanders, and others recounted being held while their families were forced to ransom them. —Hafiz Haroun, Washington Post, 23 Feb. 2024

He is nonetheless drawn in, to his surprise and discomfort, by Benzion’s provocation that American Jews have ransomed themselves for the fantasy of belonging. —Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 15 Feb. 2024

Noun

To date, the city has not paid the hackers, who were demanding $2 million in ransom. —Kevin Williams, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2024

The true cost, however, extends beyond the ransom, as the downtime associated with these attacks leads to disruptions in patient care, operational delays, and loss of trust in the institution. —Chrissa McFarlane, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024

Phrases Containing ransom

• king's ransom