RESCUE Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'rescue' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rescue are deliver , ransom , reclaim , redeem , and save . While all these words mean "to set free from confinement or danger," rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action. // rescued the crew of a sinking ship

Q: When is 'deliver' a more appropriate choice than 'rescue'?

In some situations, the words deliver and rescue are roughly equivalent. However, deliver implies release usually of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering. // delivered his people from bondage

Q: When is it sensible to use 'ransom' instead of 'rescue'?

The synonyms ransom and rescue are sometimes interchangeable, but ransom specifically applies to buying out of captivity. // tried to ransom the kidnap victim

Q: In what contexts can 'reclaim' take the place of 'rescue'?

Although the words reclaim and rescue have much in common, reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased. // reclaimed long-abandoned farms

Q: When might 'redeem' be a better fit than 'rescue'?

The words redeem and rescue can be used in similar contexts, 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

Q: When can 'save' be used instead of 'rescue'?

The meanings of save and rescue largely overlap; however, 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

rescue 1 of 2

noun

Definition of rescue next

as in salvation

the saving from danger or evil stranded people hoping for rescue from the rising floodwaters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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rescue

2 of 2

verb

ˈre-(ˌ)skyü

as in to save

to remove from danger or harm an all-out effort to rescue a beached whale

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb rescue contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rescue are deliver, ransom, reclaim, redeem, and save. While all these words mean "to set free from confinement or danger," rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action.

rescued the crew of a sinking ship

When is deliver a more appropriate choice than rescue?

In some situations, the words deliver and rescue are roughly equivalent. However, deliver implies release usually of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering.

delivered his people from bondage

When is it sensible to use ransom instead of rescue?

The synonyms ransom and rescue are sometimes interchangeable, but ransom specifically applies to buying out of captivity.

tried to ransom the kidnap victim

In what contexts can reclaim take the place of rescue?

Although the words reclaim and rescue have much in common, reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased.

reclaimed long-abandoned farms

When might redeem be a better fit than rescue?

The words redeem and rescue can be used in similar contexts, 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 can save be used instead of rescue?

The meanings of save and rescue largely overlap; however, 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 rescue

Noun

News of the funding cliff prompted a pair of lawmakers to reach across the aisle and propose a rescue plan in an opinion piece last week for the New York Times. —

Max Zahn, ABC News, 2 July 2026 Corky Quirk, who founded the local rescue organization NorCal Bats, previously said the colony was well over 20 years old when Sacramento started plugging up bat entrances in the fall of 2025. —

Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026

Verb

That’s been devastating for the pro-Israel groups which, until this cycle, were able to rush into primaries and rescue more moderate candidates. —

David Weigel, semafor.com, 1 July 2026 Their impact was real, with faces and full names that can now tell their own story after being rescued. —

Luis E. Romero, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rescue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rescue

Noun

In the wake of around 400 layoffs at Bungie, the storied studio is looking for salvation.

— Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
An understanding of the all-encompassing law of Spirit, operating in our lives now, brings salvation, bountiful joy, and a deeper understanding of our wholeness as sons and daughters of God.

— Alistair Budd, Christian Science Monitor, 24 June 2026

Definition of salvation

Verb

There’s a bunch of new things across most of the 2026 range, mainly cosmetic, but also hardware and weight-saving stuff as well.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
The measure could incentivize lawmakers to save more money because funds tucked away in the rainy day fund would no longer be considered expenditures counted toward the spending limit.

— Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of save

Noun

That in and of itself wasn’t noteworthy — ice after starts is a regular part of any pitcher’s recovery and arm care.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Pressure is building for standard definitions of stress, resilience and recovery speed, along with more clinical partnerships as regulators pay closer attention.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026

Definition of recovery

Verb

Butler was the Warriors’ big swing — a last hope — to salvage the end of Curry’s prime.

— Nick Friedell, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Custom furnishings, velvets from Italian textiles firm Dedar, salvaged historical fireplaces and bespoke lighting complete the intimate atmosphere.

— Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 2 July 2026

Definition of salvage

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rescue

rescued

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“Rescue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rescue. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of rescue

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