save 1 of 2

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

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save

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preposition

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
That would’ve saved me a little time, honestly. Brian Grubb, Vulture, 29 June 2026 Over time, those sessions have become must-watch content for fans, who marvel at the tiny dog's ability to spring high into the air, catch balls in his mouth and string together save after save. Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026 In the five years since his death, Haycock has gone into schools and placed life-saving equipment at open water sites through his charity, Sam’s Army’s Mission 1 Life. Kara Fox, CNN Money, 28 June 2026 Meanwhile, there’s no truth to the rumor Hoyer acquired struggling Mets starter David Peterson while in New York to save on roaming charges. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for save
Recent Examples of Synonyms for save
Verb
  • Winners have to go to a Florida Lottery district office to redeem these winning tickets.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 22 June 2026
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back.
    Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Analysts credit the 2011 purchase of NBCUniversal as a huge success; Comcast rescued a company that was on the ropes due to General Electric’s under-investment.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • The infant, who is 9 months old, was rescued along with her mother, the State Department told Fox News Digital.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • In Cañon City, Colorado, authorities are aiming for a 20% to 30% reduction in water use while asking residents to voluntarily conserve outdoor water consumption.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • This will be a physically gruelling knockout stage, the first World Cup with five knockout matches, and conserving energy for later matches makes sense.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • Behind Luka Doncic, the Lakers took care of Austin Reaves by agreeing to a four-year, $185-million contract that will be officially signed toward the end of the offseason to help the Lakers preserve maximum cap flexibility.
    Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • But the circular rose garden has been preserved and maintained, and buds begin to bloom in May, continuing through the summer.
    Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • As America celebrates its 250th birthday, the National World War I Museum and Memorial is celebrating a milestone of its own — 100 years since President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the signature limestone tower memorial in the heart of Kansas City.
    Matthew Kelly July 1, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026
  • Then dedicate time to defining your internal stakeholders and regularly engaging with them on the work taking place.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
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
Verb
  • Shoppers note that the shorts are roomy and don’t bunch up, and that the elastic waistband is forgiving even while bloated.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 1 July 2026
  • Debt settlement can negatively affect your credit score, and forgiven debt may have tax implications in some situations.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • After Japan took a 1-0 lead in the first half, Brazil relentlessly attacked in the second half, equalizing in the 56th minute before scoring again with only a minute to spare in stoppage time.
    Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026
  • The West Indies made 125-7 and the inadequacy of that total was exposed by Australia hunting it down with seven overs to spare.
    ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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