redeem

Definition of redeemnext
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 Winner may not substitute, assign, or transfer the Prize or redeem the Prize for cash, but Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to substitute the Prize (or any portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value. AJC.com, 18 June 2026 The voucher can be redeemed for food and drinks at the theater on the night of the screening. Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 June 2026 Customers can order ahead through the Whataburger App to earn rewards and redeem offers. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 16 June 2026 This year, Fleetwood is back, still looking for his second-career win on tour as of press time, and eager to redeem himself at the Travelers. Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for redeem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for redeem
Verb
  • More than half of Gen Zers said doing work that was personally fulfilling was within their top three priorities, and 25% ranked helping and caring for others up top, as well.
    Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 24 June 2026
  • The commission just fulfilled one of its primary duties, forwarding to Mayor Barbara Lee a shortlist of finalists to be considered for the job of the Oakland Police Department’s next permanent chief.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • Energy-saving tips, according to DTE DTE says high temperatures can result in a higher energy bill.
    Stacey DuFord, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • Scheffler missed the fairway, landing his drive on a hill along the right side, while Hovland’s was clean, save for some casual water.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • In Buzi District alone, 87 classrooms in 24 schools were reconstructed or rehabilitated, benefitting over 11,200 students.
    Maryanne Murray Buechner, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Unfortunately, not every animal can be safely rehabilitated or placed in a family environment.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Then incorporate it into performance reviews, and create structures to compensate for the extra time and emotional energy spent on it.
    Holly Corbett, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Douglas said automatic gratuities also serve a practical purpose for larger parties, helping to ensure servers are fairly compensated for the additional coordination and service those tables require.
    Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • If there isn't enough money to satisfy every creditor, state probate laws determine the order in which claims are paid.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • The Justices ruled the president cannot redefine birthright citizenship, and all children who are born in the United States, whether their parents are in the country legally or not, satisfy citizenship requirements in the 14th amendment.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • That posting also stated that TeamPCP is not holding GitHub to ransom but rather just looking to sell to a single buyer after which the data will be shredded.
    Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026
  • Despite the hype, Kyber suggests that PQC is attracting the attention of less technically inclined attorneys and executives deciding how to respond to ransom demands.
    Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • With the win and Cleveland’s 6-3 loss to the Texas Rangers, the Sox (44-39) reclaimed sole possession of first place in the American League Central.
    LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
  • Through chalance, daters are, in a deeper sense, reclaiming their agency.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Under the standard plan, borrowers will have between 10 years and 25 years to repay their loans depending on the amount borrowed.
    Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • Getty Images Key Facts Last year’s spending bill imposed a number of changes on how student loans are capped, regulated and repaid, including establishing new repayment plans and caps on loans.
    Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Redeem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/redeem. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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