save 1 of 2

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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
Kennedy has repeatedly questioned the efficacy and even safety of vaccines touted by most doctors as medical miracles responsible for saving tens of million lives globally. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 28 Jan. 2025 The Apple iPad mini (2024) is now available for just $399 (saving you a cool hundred bucks). Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 28 Jan. 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
  • However, those assuming Jod would be redeemed by the end were sorely mistaken.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Below, 15 members of Forbes Agency Council share expert insights into how a brand facing viral complaints can take an appropriate level of accountability, redeem its good name and regain consumer trust.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Disaster struck when a team of firefighters trying to rescue two comrades trapped in the building were themselves imperiled by a collapsing wall.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Two people from the boat washed up on Little Rock Jetty just to the north of the incident and were rescued by lifeguards, Romero said.
    Gary Warth, The Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Eating seasonally and locally, reducing food waste, conserving water and recycling properly are other ways to help mitigate, or deal with the effects of, the climate crisis.
    Kristen Rogers, CNN, 28 Jan. 2025
  • Panda diplomacy is seen as a way for China to not only conserve wildlife but promote goodwill and strengthen diplomatic ties with other countries — bringing a whole new meaning to soft power.
    Rachel Treisman, NPR, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    Daniel McFadin, arkansasonline.com, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Systemic reforms are needed to preserve its role as a tool for human freedom.
    Susie Violet Ward, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Oracle will dedicate its forthcoming data center in Abilene, Texas — which is initially expected to draw 1.2 gigawatts, or enough electricity to power Austin, according to The Information — to Stargate.
    Andrew Ross Sorkin, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Beyond this, Trump has dedicated almost all of his initial efforts to immigration.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 Jan. 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
  • Hilarity ensued, and, forgive the spoilers, things did not end up the way everyone may have wanted.
    Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Fassbender may be too obviously statuesque for real spycraft, but his performance of an agent cracking under the weight of existential turmoil is so hypnotic that one forgives the incongruous casting choice.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • With just two seats to spare, there are nine Republicans from California who may be forced to decide whether to opt for party unity or do what must be done for their state.
    Douglas Schoen, Orange County Register, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Other places that appear to be spared include the actual falls and the area around them at Millard Canyon.
    Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near save

Cite this Entry

“Save.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/save. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

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