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

To prepare attendees, the Star-Telegram put together an extensive list of every single money-saving tip and trick possible. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Oct. 2026 Properly sorting laundry saves energy, lowers utility costs, and extends the life of your clothing. — Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 16 Oct. 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

Citi's travel rewards program is officially called Citi ThankYou® Rewards, and ThankYou® Points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, merchandise, travel, transfers to travel programs and more.

— Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
Every wager on theScore Bet earns PENN Play Rewards that can be redeemed for bonus bets or turned into real-world perks at PENN properties.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of redeem

Verb

In addition to the return of her property, Omar's attorneys are demanding that the Justice Department preserve any audio and video that was taken during the search, according to the letter.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
But while critics on the Israeli right railed against the deal, Netanyahu’s deputies worked behind the scenes to preserve it, according to correspondence obtained by TIME.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of preserve

Verb

The company will need to dedicate key resources to meet that timeline, including developing life support systems for crew.

— Andrew Jones, Space.com, 14 Oct. 2026
The American Society of Civil Engineers dedicated the highway as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark at the event Wednesday morning.

— Adam Harrington, CBS News, 14 Oct. 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

The Post Oak's billionaire owner Tilman Fertitta spared nothing here.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Oct. 2026
If Christa Pike's recovery from two doses of the lethal injection drug pentobarbital has left her mentally impaired, she could be spared from her death sentence, according to a leading expert on capital punishment in the United States.

— Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of spare

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 22 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of save

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preposition

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