SAVE Synonyms: 133 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

save 1 of 2

verb

ˈsāv

Definition of save

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

Relevance

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

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

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

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

Shiho Kuwaki of Japan saved par to stay alive in a sudden-death playoff Sunday and won with a par on the second extra hole to claim the Women’s British Open over Esther Henseleit of Germany for her first major title. — ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026 The state argues the law is necessary to meet its recycling and climate goals and will save Californians over $53 billion. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Preposition

Particularly this year, with COVID-19, there are no gatherings to attend save a bonfire or a socially distant hike now and then. — Alli Harvey, Anchorage Daily News, 11 Oct. 2020 But all the candidates save Sanders were in Selma on Thursday to mark the 55th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. — Howard Koplowitz | [email protected], al, 4 Mar. 2020 See All Example Sentences for save

Recent Examples of Synonyms for save

Verb

Concrete's pitch is one deposit and a share that can be redeemed later.

— Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
An investigation revealed that her ticket had been redeemed by Lockhart on June 19 at the Florida Lottery’s Miami District Office.

— Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of redeem

Verb

Details of the operation that freed the more than 300 people who spent months in captivity were not disclosed, with the statement only saying they were rescued from a forest and are now receiving medical attention.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
Divers wear blackout masks and practice rescuing themselves and fellow firefighters while operating without vision.

— Darius Johnson, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of rescue

Verb

Mandarin Oriental’s arrival in 2006 protected and restored the interiors, while consulting with Conservation Authority archaeologists to preserve any historic findings.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
The superstar has collected contemporary art for most of his adult life, but his passion is for preserving the work of Black artists.

— Jewel Wicker, Architectural Digest, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of preserve

Verb

His family foundation, one of the Bay Area’s largest, has dedicated more than $1 billion to nonprofits and advocacy groups in the region since 2020, according to a Bloomberg calculation based on public documents.

— Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
Growing up in a very pro-Israel home guided me toward dedicating my life to educating kids and adults about Israel and the importance of supporting its various institutions.

— Roni Raab, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 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

Browse Nearby Words

savants

save

saved

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Style

“Save.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/save. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of save

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