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

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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

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
Further south, shipwrecked sailors were well advised to steer clear of the Diola of the Casamance, who would kill them on sight—until the Diola found out that the sailors could be ransomed. —Literary Hub, 5 Dec. 2025 Perhaps she had been struck over the head and wrapped in fabric and thrown in a crate, to be ransomed. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Noun
Several media outlets reported receiving ransom notes, one of which requested several million dollars in bitcoin and threatened to kill Nancy Guthrie if the money wasn’t sent. —Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 5 Feb. 2026 Janke noted that any decision on whether to entertain the ransom demand was up to the Guthrie family. —Helen Rummel, AZCentral.com, 5 Feb. 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
  • Did Manchester City just save the title race?
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Dave Coulier credited early cancer detection with saving his life – twice.
    — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of save
Noun
  • The bureau previously announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie or the arrest of those involved in her abduction.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 8 Feb. 2026
  • The Altadena Sheriff's Station remains committed to supporting our residents throughout the recovery process while also ensuring public safety, accessibility, and quality of life for the entire community.
    — Zach Boetto, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of recovery
Verb
  • But Armenia didn’t need rescuing.
    — Marlise Kast-Myers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026
  • Earlier this evening, members of our Scuba Team, Aviation Unit, Emergency Service Unit, and the @FDNY rescued three individuals from frozen waters in Far Rockaway.
    — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of rescue
Noun
  • But there’s a chance for redemption, yet.
    — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • But in our view, Jackson served his time, has eloquently made the case for his political redemption, and reflected on his mistakes.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of redemption
Verb
  • To redeem the offer, use code GOODWILLDUNKIN at checkout.
    — Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Here’s how to claim your lottery prize All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600.
    — Detroit Free Press Staff, Freep.com, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of redeem
Noun
  • These are not stories of salvation.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Yasmin, who was ousted from Pierpoint after a tabloid scandal involving her publishing-magnate father threatened to sully the bank by association, has turned to another undependable man for salvation, proposing to an aristocratic failson called Sir Henry Muck (Kit Harington).
    — Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of salvation
Noun
  • 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
  • On the contrary, what often works best are vague or utopian promises of deliverance, combined with an emotionally powerful depiction of the intolerable injustice and inescapable evils of the current regime.
    — Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 10 Jan. 2026
Definition of deliverance

Phrases Containing ransom

Browse Nearby Words

ransacks
ransom
ransomed
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Cite this Entry

“Ransom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ransom. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ransom

Nglish: Translation of ransom for Spanish Speakers

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