ransom 1 of 2

verb

Definition of ransomnext
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
Further questioning connected him as owner of the typewriter on which a ransom letter was typed. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025 Jordan shot Marter in the back of the head before her banker husband paid a $25,000 ransom for her return on Jan. 12, 1976. —Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Noun
Such data, depending on the sensitivity, can be held to ransom against a threat of publication to a leak site or sale to the highest criminal bidder. —Davey Winder, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 They were taken by speedboats to the jungles of the southern Philippine province of Sulu, where they were held in harsh conditions before being mostly ransomed off using millions of dollars reportedly provided by then-Libyan leader Moammar Kadafi. —Jim Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for ransom
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ransom
  1. save
  2. recovery
  3. rescue
  4. redemption
  5. redeem
  6. salvation
  7. deliverance
Verb
  • Their bravery and quick action undoubtedly saved many lives.
    — Shane Croucher John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
  • For more ways to save on your power bill or to see if opting out makes sense for your budget, visit Cyberguy.com/SaveonPower 7) Monitor comfort and performance Keep an eye on how your AC performs during demand events.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of save
Noun
  • Families of those who have died from overdoses, those in recovery from substance use disorder and families of struggling individuals supported the legislation, according to Senate Democrats.
    — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2025
  • Having a sound plan for resilience, regardless of implementation phase, is a huge head start on recovery.
    — Louis Gritzo, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of recovery
Verb
  • Two cats, a ferret and a dog were rescued, though the dog, a German shepherd, escaped and has not been found, fire Chief David Haywood said.
    — Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Shaunna’s 11-year-old daughter was rescued from the water during the incident.
    — Raven Brunner, People.com, 13 July 2025
Definition of rescue
Noun
  • Blackstone had to limit redemption requests in its real estate income trust in late 2022 and most of 2023 when individuals spooked by rising interest rates raced for the exits.
    — Hank Tucker, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Cardholders report that rewards are devalued, denied, disappeared, or fine-printed to oblivion, their actual redemption details dramatically different from their marketing materials.
    — Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 24 July 2025
Definition of redemption
Verb
  • Customers ordering online can redeem their Krispy Kreme birthday celebration treat by using the code BDAY at checkout.
    — Rachel Flynn, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • Bet on any of the eight contestants to redeem your reward.
    — Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
Definition of redeem
Noun
  • As if the act of turning that experience into a story becomes kind of a salvation.
    — Sahar Delijani July 17, Literary Hub, 17 July 2025
  • Or the certainty of an unshakeable belief that this is the path to collective salvation, and everything else is FUD?
    — Chris Groshong, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025
Definition of salvation
Noun
  • Derived from Greek mythology, Soteria was the goddess or spirit of safety, deliverance and preservation from harm.
    — Nicole Russell, USA Today, 20 June 2025
  • Wine • Four glasses of wine are poured to represent the four stages of the Exodus: freedom, deliverance, redemption and release.
    — Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of deliverance

Phrases Containing ransom

Browse Nearby Words

ransacks
ransom
ransomed
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Cite this Entry

“Ransom.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ransom. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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