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
Medics rushed Imron to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Queens, but he could not be saved. —Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 8 Feb. 2026 Between a cold start to the year and saving money by staying home, now might be the perfect time to evaluate the color of your walls. —Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 8 Feb. 2026
Preposition
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 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 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
  • 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
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
Verb
  • Langston said the restrained approach reflects a runoff strategy, conserving money until the two-man runoff.
    — Joseph Morton, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026
  • In efforts to conserve energy during the summer, Congress passed this bill so people can take advantage of the most daylight possible.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of conserve
Verb
  • Officials said the new general fund revenue would not likely backfill all that the county stands to lose, but the money would be vital for preserving health care programming.
    — Sierra Lopez, Mercury News, 12 Feb. 2026
  • Her analysis further suggests that a sanctions-relief agreement that leaves Iran’s broader capabilities intact could stabilize the regime at a moment of internal pressure while preserving its military leverage.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of preserve
Verb
  • The federal government, the spokesperson said, has dedicated no funding for the forest service to clean them up.
    — Rachel Becker, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026
  • But let’s be honest, dedicating a room to play is also beneficial for the parents (anyone who’s experienced a barefoot encounter with a stray LEGO piece will understand).
    — Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 11 Feb. 2026
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
  • In the end, Wirz was their only major conviction, because southern outrage and northern demands to forgive and forget brought an end to the legal effort.
    — Drew Gilpin Faust, The Atlantic, 8 Feb. 2026
  • With so much attention going, understandably, to Bad Bunny's halftime concert during Super Bowl LX, you'd be forgiven for thinking no one else was performing.
    — Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of forgive
Verb
  • The winds spared the shopping district located at Howard and Lexington streets.
    — Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The bill would require local governments to adopt ordinances allowing homeowners in single-family zones to construct accessory dwelling units by right, sparing them the usual bureaucratic hurdles, such as zoning hearings or special-use permits.
    — Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 7 Feb. 2026
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 15 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on save

Nglish: Translation of save for Spanish Speakers

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