redeem

1
2
as in to save
to free from captivity or punishment by paying a price the government has consistently refused to redeem hostages captured by terrorists

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in to forgive
to free from the penalties or consequences of sin the belief that sinners are redeemed by their faith in God

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in to rehabilitate
to make better in behavior or character the unfaithful husband made a determined effort to redeem himself in the eyes of his wife and children

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5
as in to compensate
to make up for (an offense) quickly redeemed the offending remark with a sincere and unconditional apology

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb redeem contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of redeem are deliver, ransom, reclaim, rescue, and save. While all these words mean "to set free from confinement or danger," 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 is deliver a more appropriate choice than redeem?

The words deliver and redeem can be used in similar contexts, but deliver implies release usually of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering.

delivered his people from bondage

When can ransom be used instead of redeem?

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

tried to ransom the kidnap victim

When might reclaim be a better fit than redeem?

The synonyms reclaim and redeem are sometimes interchangeable, but reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased.

reclaimed long-abandoned farms

When would rescue be a good substitute for redeem?

While in some cases nearly identical to redeem, rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action.

rescued the crew of a sinking ship

In what contexts can save take the place of redeem?

The words save and redeem are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 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 redeem Carter partially redeemed himself with a 55-yard return to Minnesota’s 40 in the final two minutes of regulation. Adam Jahns, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024 How to get the $3.99 spicy chicken sandwich deal The offer is available at participating Wendy's restaurants for a limited time and must be redeemed in the Wendy's app, the company said. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024 The current program allows the state to issue up to $150 million per year in film credits, and allows producers to redeem up to $180 million. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 22 Nov. 2024 By integrating loyalty points as a payment option at the point of sale both online and in-store, consumers won’t have to think twice about tapping their digital wallet to redeem or selecting the points balance option online. Len Covello, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for redeem 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for redeem
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the backlog of unfulfilled orders has reached a record 17,000: at current delivery rates, this would take 14 years to fulfill, although the wait time is expected to eventually shorten.
    Ted Reed, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Many of the happiest super-agers never retire and have purposeful jobs that fulfill them.
    Renée Onque, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • To keep Kiara's mind off things, Rafiki tells the story of young Mufasa (Aaron Pierre), who got washed away from his family by a huge flood and was saved by Taka (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), the prince of his pride who shows early signs of his craven nature and eventual heel turn as Scar.
    Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Arkansas' executive branch agencies could save or avoid spending about $300 million in the next six years, according to a report published Monday.
    Worth Sparkman, Axios, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • If the opposition can keep its gains, maintain cohesion and rehabilitate its image among Syrians, Assad may be forced into serious concessions in exchange for his survival.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024
  • The current group of owners, which includes actor Ty Burrell, purchased the out-of-shape establishment in 2011, rehabilitating it and transforming it into one of Salt Lake City's most popular destinations for craft cocktails.
    Kim Bojórquez, Axios, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The bank is also used to pay Russian soldiers and compensate families of soldiers killed in the line of duty, the department said.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2024
  • The Department of Transportation proposed new rules Thursday requiring airlines to compensate passengers with up to $775 for significant flight delays or cancellations where the airline is at fault.
    Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
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
Verb
  • Reynolds empowers readers to break free from the urgency trap and reclaim their time for meaningful pursuits.
    Forbes Partner Releases, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
  • As the face of the brand and its most effective spokesperson, Mao reclaimed his fame online with a popular Bilibili account that has more than 900,000 followers.
    Denni Hu, WWD, 10 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • But if they are consolidated into a Direct consolidation loan, that Direct consolidation loan can be repaid under ICR.
    Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Every shipment, every transaction, every license, every insurance policy, every fee—thousands of variables—had to be accounted for, across all conceivable scenarios, until the sale was complete, the money collected and transacted, and everyone repaid.
    Josh Condon, Robb Report, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Federal officials said the company must still satisfy certain technical, legal, environmental and financial conditions before the loan is funded.
    Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Whether your giftee is a devout Salt & Straw follower or new to the beloved ice cream shop, this frosty gift is sure to satisfy their sweet cravings.
    Anna Haines, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near redeem

Cite this Entry

“Redeem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/redeem. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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