Thesaurus results for RANSOM

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

Some common synonyms of ransom are deliver , reclaim , redeem , rescue , and save . While all these words mean "to set free from confinement or danger," ransom specifically applies to buying out of captivity. // tried to ransom the kidnap victim

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

The words deliver and ransom 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

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

The meanings of reclaim and ransom largely overlap; however, reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased. // reclaimed long-abandoned farms

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

The synonyms redeem and ransom are sometimes interchangeable, 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 might 'rescue' be a better fit than 'ransom'?

In some situations, the words rescue and ransom are roughly equivalent. However, rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action. // rescued the crew of a sinking ship

Q: Where would 'save' be a reasonable alternative to 'ransom'?

The words save and ransom can be used in similar contexts, but 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

ransom 1 of 2

verb

Definition of ransom

as in to save

to free from captivity or punishment by paying a price the prince emptied the treasury to ransom his son from the kidnappers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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ransom

2 of 2

noun

as in recovery

Related Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb ransom contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ransom are deliver, reclaim, redeem, rescue, and save. While all these words mean "to set free from confinement or danger," ransom specifically applies to buying out of captivity.

tried to ransom the kidnap victim

When is deliver a more appropriate choice than ransom?

The words deliver and ransom 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

In what contexts can reclaim take the place of ransom?

The meanings of reclaim and ransom largely overlap; however, reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased.

reclaimed long-abandoned farms

When is it sensible to use redeem instead of ransom?

The synonyms redeem and ransom are sometimes interchangeable, 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 might rescue be a better fit than ransom?

In some situations, the words rescue and ransom are roughly equivalent. However, rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action.

rescued the crew of a sinking ship

Where would save be a reasonable alternative to ransom?

The words save and ransom can be used in similar contexts, but 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 ransom

Verb

The Guthrie family has publicly responded to ransom notes with video messages, offering to pay for their mother's return home, but have not received a response. — Alana Wise, NPR, 6 Apr. 2026 After a nearby hospital is hacked and ransomed, the higher-ups decide to defend its system by shutting it down, which means business must be conducted in the old-fashioned, paper-and-clipboards way. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026

Noun

The sheriff’s department recently released several ransom notes thought to be sent by Nancy’s abductors. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 18 Aug. 2026 Ledger co-founder David Balland was later kidnapped for ransom in France. — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ransom

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ransom

Verb

Ask a clarifying question, keep your response simple, and save the deeper processing for a space that actually feels safe.

— Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
Tiafoe saved three championship points in the final game before Fils closed out the victory.

— Jeff Wallner, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of save

Noun

The recovery ended a search that began on July 31 after the expedition, led by renowned climber Nirmal Purja, was swept away by an avalanche on Broad Peak.

— ABC News, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
The 55-year-old previously missed several weeks of the talk show amid recovery from painful gum surgery.

— Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of recovery

Verb

Those funds will help animals like Violet, a 7-year-old sheep dog mix rescued from South LA's shelter; Harper, rescued from a homeless encampment; and Claurese, surrendered when her family couldn't afford her medical bills.

— Joy Benedict, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Rajab survived the initial fire and pleaded on the phone for hours with Palestinian paramedics to come rescue her.

— Oren Liebermann, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of rescue

Noun

And given his redemption arc from struggling striker to one of the most potent in the Premier League and a UEFA Conference League winner, the overriding emotion should not even be anger.

— Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Jane understands that calling Bunny out is a social and professional transgression, but her decision to do it anyway is ultimately an invitation for redemption, which Bunny accepts.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of redemption

Verb

The microsite also serves as the entry to the Encore Market, where members can redeem points.

— David Moin, Footwear News, 24 Aug. 2026
The only redeeming aspect of the show happens here, on a ski slope, when their youngest daughter Valentina, who was born with Down syndrome, is treated to a lesson via an adaptive ski school.

— Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of redeem

Noun

Just as looking upon the serpent brought healing to the Israelites, faith in the Son of Man brings salvation to anyone.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Aug. 2026
My husband’s relatives (immediate and extended family) are all Christians for whom winning souls to salvation is a crucial matter.

— R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of salvation

Noun

Emotions ran deep among the multinational assemblage of emergency workers who witnessed one man’s improbable deliverance.

— Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
Not Taylor Swift, not Timothée Chalamet, not any of the Wall Street masters of the universe and the Big Law partners and the Hollywood celebrities who thrashed violently in their seats when OG Anunoby came flying in as a deliverance — his fingertips seemingly sent from heaven.

— Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 14 June 2026

Definition of deliverance

Browse Nearby Words

ransacks

ransom

ransomed

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“Ransom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ransom. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of ransom

verb

noun

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Phrases Containing ransom

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