ransom 1 of 2

verb

Definition of ransomnext
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

Relevance

ransom

2 of 2

noun

as in recovery

Related 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

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
Are there negotiations connected to ransom demands? —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 7 Feb. 2026 Abu Sayyaf was particularly notorious for kidnapping and ransoming foreigners. —Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025
Noun
Some disappearances came with ransom demands. —Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026 Those tasks included going to a bank for ransom money. —Lauren Clark, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ransom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ransom
  1. save
  2. recovery
  3. rescue
  4. redemption
  5. redeem
  6. salvation
  7. deliverance
Verb
  • Animal Control would have to save about 600 more pets annually to meet that goal.
    — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
  • The material is already on-site, saving the museum shipping and insurance costs.
    — Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 6 Apr. 2026
Definition of save
Noun
  • Certain peptides were said to enhance strength, energy, endurance, and recovery.
    — Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Pillar Wellbeing offers recovery physio spaces and holistic approach to wellness that includes in-depth nutrition coaching.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Apr. 2026
Definition of recovery
Verb
  • But in this patient the sun might have triggered somatic mutations that rescued her cells.
    — Jerome Groopman, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • The Wall Street Journal added that the airman, who eluded capture for 36 hours and hid in a remote mountain crevice, was rescued by a specialized commando force.
    — Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
Definition of rescue
Noun
  • For this series version, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II takes on the role of John Creasy, a skilled former mercenary plagued by PTSD who is drawn back into action during a quest for redemption.
    — Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026
  • These are redemption raps with only the vaguest sense of what redemption might look like, a wishy-washy desire to both stomp the haters and be widely loved again.
    — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of redemption
Verb
  • After the terrible first period, the B’s started to redeem themselves with much better play in the second.
    — Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
  • To get the discount, guests must redeem the deal through the Farmer Boys VIF App.
    — Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of redeem
Noun
  • Together, the two men battle the forces of evil, each other, and their own demons on the path to salvation.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
  • With Spoelstra shaking up his starting lineup, the Heat found salvation through 19 points from Norman Powell and 18 from Tyler Herro , as well as 17 points and 10 rebounds from Bam Adebayo and 13 points and 11 rebounds from Kel’el Ware.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of salvation
Noun
  • The city had exhausted itself, and people hoped not for liberation but deliverance.
    — Anand Gopal, New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2026
  • This is where the movie’s horror genre kicks into high gear, with the aggrieved pastor enlisting a deliverance healer to rid his son and Ryan of their demons.
    — Natalia Winkelman, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2026
Definition of deliverance

Phrases Containing ransom

Browse Nearby Words

ransacks
ransom
ransomed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ransom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ransom. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on ransom

Nglish: Translation of ransom for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of cotton

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Are You Misusing These 10 Common Words?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

12 Words for Signs of Spring

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

The Words of the Week - Mar. 27

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds
See More

Popular

See More

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

12 Words for Signs of Spring

The Opposite of Déjà Vu
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
8-track-tapes
Good Old-Fashioned Quiz Can you name these antiquated items?
See All