save 1 of 2

verb

ˈsāv How to pronounce save (audio)
Definition of savenext
1
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
3
as in to conserve
to avoid unnecessary waste or expense we'll have to scrimp and save to be able to afford college

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to preserve
to keep in good condition lovingly saved the classic car and even upgraded its engine

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to dedicate
to keep or intend for a special purpose I'm saving this dress for a formal occasion

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

save

2 of 2

preposition

as in except
not including everyone save me is going to the party

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
At best, the new tax break means many seniors will save some money on taxes over four years. —Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 14 July 2025 Their bravery and quick action undoubtedly saved many lives. —Shane Croucher john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 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
  1. redeem
  2. rescue
  3. conserve
  4. preserve
  5. dedicate
  6. except
  7. forgive
  8. spare
Verb
  • Here’s how to claim your lottery prize All Arizona Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $100 and may redeem winnings up to $599.
    — Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 28 July 2025
  • Here’s how to claim your lottery prize All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600.
    — Detroit Free Press Staff, Freep.com, 28 July 2025
Definition of redeem
Verb
  • Two cats, a ferret and a dog were rescued, though the dog, a German shepherd, escaped and has not been found, fire Chief David Haywood said.
    — Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Two residents were rescued from windows as the house burned.
    — Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 13 July 2025
Definition of rescue
Verb
  • There is probably no better example of a shortstop conserving his throwing arm than the one who left town Thursday night, Texas Rangers star Corey Seager.
    — Mike Digiovanna, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
  • The project is part of a decades-long effort to conserve Guimard’s work.
    — Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2025
Definition of conserve
Verb
  • Donate today to preserve the quality and integrity of local journalism.
    — Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 1 Aug. 2025
  • The $6 million project aims to preserve the pool’s historical charm while ensuring its functionality for future generations.
    — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 31 July 2025
Definition of preserve
Verb
  • Whitmer, for her part, wants the chance to dedicate more resources for CVI.
    — Andrea May Sahouri, Freep.com, 25 July 2025
  • Since 1989, Valter Longo has dedicated his research to understanding the factors that contribute to overall health and longevity.
    — Renée Onque, CNBC, 23 July 2025
Definition of dedicate
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
Definition of except
Verb
  • On the other side, Israel’s demolition and occupation of much of Gaza has made Palestinians all the less willing to reconcile with and forgive Israel.
    — DANIEL BYMAN, Foreign Affairs, 28 July 2025
  • Part of the cost of replacing lead lines in New London is being covered by a $6.9 million federal loan, a portion of which will be forgiven.
    — Andrew Brown, Hartford Courant, 28 July 2025
Definition of forgive
Verb
  • As the list below shows, measuring the area on Google Maps reveals that each of Disney's existing theme parks should comfortably fit into the north Yas site with more than 100 acres to spare.
    — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • With just hours to spare before South Park‘s Season 27 premiere tonight, the show’s future has been locked in for the next five years.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 23 July 2025
Definition of spare

Browse Nearby Words

savants
save
saved
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Cite this Entry

“Save.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/save. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of save for Spanish Speakers

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