RESCUE Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of rescue are deliver , ransom , reclaim , redeem , and save . While all these words mean "to set free from confinement or danger," rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action. // rescued the crew of a sinking ship

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

In some situations, the words deliver and rescue are roughly equivalent. However, deliver implies release usually of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering. // delivered his people from bondage

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

The synonyms ransom and rescue are sometimes interchangeable, but ransom specifically applies to buying out of captivity. // tried to ransom the kidnap victim

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

Although the words reclaim and rescue have much in common, reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased. // reclaimed long-abandoned farms

Q: When might 'redeem' be a better fit than 'rescue'?

The words redeem and rescue can be used in similar contexts, 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 can 'save' be used instead of 'rescue'?

The meanings of save and rescue largely overlap; however, 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

rescue 1 of 2

noun

Definition of rescue

as in salvation

the saving from danger or evil stranded people hoping for rescue from the rising floodwaters

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

rescue

2 of 2

verb

ˈre-(ˌ)skyü

as in to save

to remove from danger or harm an all-out effort to rescue a beached whale

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb rescue contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rescue are deliver, ransom, reclaim, redeem, and save. While all these words mean "to set free from confinement or danger," rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action.

rescued the crew of a sinking ship

When is deliver a more appropriate choice than rescue?

In some situations, the words deliver and rescue are roughly equivalent. However, deliver implies release usually of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering.

delivered his people from bondage

When is it sensible to use ransom instead of rescue?

The synonyms ransom and rescue are sometimes interchangeable, but ransom specifically applies to buying out of captivity.

tried to ransom the kidnap victim

In what contexts can reclaim take the place of rescue?

Although the words reclaim and rescue have much in common, reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased.

reclaimed long-abandoned farms

When might redeem be a better fit than rescue?

The words redeem and rescue can be used in similar contexts, 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 can save be used instead of rescue?

The meanings of save and rescue largely overlap; however, 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 rescue

Noun

What readers are saying The comments reflect a strong appreciation for a story about the rescue and rehabilitation of an owl, highlighting human kindness and compassion. — Sydney Page, Washington Post, 17 Oct. 2026 The researchers see potential applications in environmental monitoring, climate change research, search and rescue, and maritime security. — New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026

Verb

She was rescued from a wildlife trafficking network by the Congolese Wildlife Authority and the nongovernmental organization Gorilla Doctors. — Elodie Toto, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 His interview with O’Donnell relates his story—a faulty parachute, a tough crash, a long bloody hike, and survival until he was rescued by an American plane—in a genuinely moving way. — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rescue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rescue

Noun

Many before and since have grappled with the price of salvation, but rarely has such a theologically vast decision felt this intimate.

— Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
Terrible secrets resurface from the past, and Elma’s colleague, Saevar (Nikulás Hansen Daðason), could prove to be her only salvation.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of salvation

Verb

In what was actually an uneventful game for nearly three full quarters, each squad decided to save their best theatrics until the final minutes.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
The Texas Senate race is the most expensive race in the country right now, and Republicans are pouring $200 million to save the nominee there.

— Jacob Brogan, Vox, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of save

Noun

What begins as a straightforward trip to rehab quickly spirals into a journey packed with mishaps, revelations and unexpected connections, forcing both Lucy and Tim to confront the messy realities of fame, family and recovery.

— Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
However, the higher PPI is pointing to an economy that is gradually moving away from deflationary pressures even if the recovery remains uneven, said Hao Zhou, chief economist at Guotai Junan International Holdings.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of recovery

Verb

But the attorney general said the expenditures have been worth it, salvaging billions in state funding that the administration had sought to claw back, and protecting the rights of the state and its residents.

— Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026
There are a few reminders of the building’s former life, too; the basement gym’s walls are lined with thick chestnut wood salvaged from the ramps once used to move horses through the building.

— Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of salvage

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rescripts

rescue

rescued

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“Rescue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rescue. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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