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

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 redeem This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back. Ryley Amond, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025 Don’t forget to click the coupon box and redeem the discount code to get the best deal. Clara McMahon, People.com, 30 Jan. 2025 Customers can purchase money orders for a fee in varying amounts and redeem them at any post office. John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025 This path offers the opportunity to redeem themselves and potentially reclaim a position of leadership. David Moon (junseo Moon), Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for redeem 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for redeem
Verb
  • Obermann is set to fulfill a role at another, undisclosed music company following his departure in March.
    Thania Garcia, Variety, 18 Feb. 2025
  • While not for everyone, this lifestyle allows some workers to fulfill their travel dreams.
    Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • For Howard, there’s no doubt in his mind Andre saved his sister’s life.
    Alaa Elassar, CNN, 9 Feb. 2025
  • Six Feet Films producer and co-writer Darwin Shaw explained that the idea of telling this story first came from a meeting with Lee’s brother David, who had gone to school with the veterinarian who saved Thandi’s life after she was left for dead by poachers.
    David Morgan, Deadline, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Dogs rehabilitated All the dogs found at the location were placed in different rescues after they were found to start their rehabilitation process, according to police.
    Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2025
  • Instead, county records show, one of the existing tanks was rehabilitated.
    Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The equalizer and presets included in the DTS:X app cannot compensate for these shortcomings.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 10 Feb. 2025
  • The latter will force scientists to compensate by spending even more of their time writing grants rather than pursuing research.
    John Timmer, Ars Technica, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • This could suggest that while attackers are targeting more victims, fewer are giving in to ransom demands.
    Sam Sabin, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025
  • While Mikhail managed to escape by climbing out a window and taking refuge in a nearby nunnery, the men took his son hostage, and Mikhail was not able to ransom him until several days later.
    Youmna Melhem Chamieh, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Many in Ukraine already understood that NATO membership and reclaiming all its territory by force were not possible.
    Patrick Reevell, ABC News, 13 Feb. 2025
  • In an effort to reclaim its former glory, investors Dorilton Capital acquired Williams Racing in 2020 and began implementing a thorough restructuring plan.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Originally Published: February 7, 2025 at 5:00 AM EST Most Popular Most Popular Former Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake ordered to repay $2M business loan Maryland malls are evolving.
    Carson Swick, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2025
  • But when the associate failed to repay the drug debt, the suppliers turned their focus on Resto, seeking retribution for the unpaid money, prosecutors charge.
    Elizabeth Keogh, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • But the good cop/bad cop act didn’t entirely satisfy her fanbase.
    Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 9 Feb. 2025
  • What does revoking Biden's security clearance accomplish other than satisfy a petty grievance of a childish man?
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near redeem

Cite this Entry

“Redeem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/redeem. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on redeem

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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