Thesaurus results for RANSOM

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ransom 1 of 2

verb

Definition of ransom next

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

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ransom

2 of 2

noun

as in recovery

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 ransom

Verb

They were taken by speedboats to the jungles of the southern Philippine province of Sulu, where they were held in harsh conditions before being mostly ransomed off using millions of dollars reportedly provided by then-Libyan leader Moammar Kadafi. —

Jim Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024 Nestor explains that the employee sold him out to some Haitians, who stole his product and now want to ransom it back to him. —

Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 16 June 2024

Noun

In such attacks, hackers take control of a hospital or health company's data systems and demand a ransom payment for the return of control. —

Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025 Police said the case was treated as a possible abduction after authorities learned Juan's parents may have received ransom notes. —

Abigail Adams, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ransom

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ransom

Verb

For Howard, there’s no doubt in his mind Andre saved his sister’s life.

— Alaa Elassar, CNN, 9 Feb. 2025
Remember, that’s been a pattern in all three of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl wins with Mahomes; he’s come back from a 10-point deficit each time while saving his absolute best play for the fourth quarter and overtime.

— Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 8 Feb. 2025