conserve

verb

kən-ˈsərv How to pronounce conserve (audio)
Definition of conservenext
1
as in to preserve
to avoid the wasteful or destructive use of the need to conserve oil and other finite fossil fuels

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to maintain
to keep in good condition conserve our national parks so that they may be enjoyed by future generations

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 conserve Goyke, who is the mayor of nearby Rosalia, said Malden’s residents have been told to conserve water so it can be saved for fire trucks if needed, and Malden’s fire department has been trucking water from Rosalia. — Jamie Stengle, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2026 For years, states have tried to discuss how to allocate and conserve the water in the basin, but negotiations have led to disagreements and even threats of lawsuits. — Chad De Guzman, Time, 10 Aug. 2026 Extreme Heat Roses naturally slow down production during periods of extreme heat to conserve moisture. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 9 Aug. 2026 Specialists are now carefully lifting the mosaic so it can be conserved before eventually going on display at the Tiverton Museum of Mid-Devon Life alongside many of the artifacts recovered during the dig. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for conserve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for conserve
  1. preserve
  2. maintain
  3. protect
  4. save
Verb
  • At that time, the boardwalk was only 1 mile long and 8 feet wide, and it could be taken apart and preserved during the winter.
    — Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The latter was made by Collectiva Concepción, a Mexico City brand that seeks to support artisans in rural communities and preserve many of Mexico’s textile traditions.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of preserve
Verb
  • The need for characters like this to maintain and strengthen bonds between what happens on the pitch, in the stands, online and everywhere in between cannot be overstated.
    — Art de Roché, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • To maintain our high quality of life and economic prosperity, these regional systems — our infrastructure, land use patterns, energy grid and more — will require strong regional coordination, alignment and investment.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of maintain
Verb
  • As the Green Lantern, Hal has the power to create material items through his ring, and acts as an intergalactic space officer protecting humanity from extraterrestrial threats.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Meta has introduced a slew of new features in recent years designed to protect minors.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of protect
Verb
  • Andre Blake saved two shots for Philadelphia, which has won four in a row under 37-year-old interim coach Ryan Richter after Bradley Carnell was let go in late May.
    — CBS New York Team, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Messi had a shot saved at the beginning of the second half, but Palacios then sparked a move from one side of the pitch to the other as Nashville restored its lead in the 49th minute and seized control of the game.
    — Dean Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of save

Browse Nearby Words

conservatory
conserve
conserved
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Cite this Entry

“Conserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/conserve. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on conserve

Nglish: Translation of conserve for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about conserve

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