redeem

1
2
as in to save
to free from captivity or punishment by paying a price the government has consistently refused to redeem hostages captured by terrorists

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
as in to forgive
to free from the penalties or consequences of sin the belief that sinners are redeemed by their faith in God

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in to rehabilitate
to make better in behavior or character the unfaithful husband made a determined effort to redeem himself in the eyes of his wife and children

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

5
as in to compensate
to make up for (an offense) quickly redeemed the offending remark with a sincere and unconditional apology

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb redeem contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of redeem are deliver, ransom, reclaim, rescue, and save. While all these words mean "to set free from confinement or danger," 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 is deliver a more appropriate choice than redeem?

The words deliver and redeem can be used in similar contexts, but deliver implies release usually of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering.

delivered his people from bondage

When can ransom be used instead of redeem?

Although the words ransom and redeem have much in common, ransom specifically applies to buying out of captivity.

tried to ransom the kidnap victim

When might reclaim be a better fit than redeem?

The synonyms reclaim and redeem are sometimes interchangeable, but reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased.

reclaimed long-abandoned farms

When would rescue be a good substitute for redeem?

While in some cases nearly identical to redeem, rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action.

rescued the crew of a sinking ship

In what contexts can save take the place of redeem?

The words save and redeem are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 redeem The 100,000 points available through the welcome offer are valued at one cent per point when redeemed as cashback and $1,250 when used to book travel through Chase Travel℠. Ryley Amond, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2025 But that doesn’t matter to the Bulls, who are attempting to redeem themselves with a late-season push to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2022. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2025 If the debt ceiling is not raised by then, the US, for the first time in its history, could default on its debts, either by missing interest payments or not redeeming maturing bonds. Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 After a subpar skate during Wednesday’s short program, Sakamoto redeemed herself with a spectacular free skate on Friday to renew her podium chances. Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for redeem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for redeem
Verb
  • The tech executive hired several young engineers aged 19-24 to fulfill his directives at DOGE, which centered on eliminating positions Musk deemed to be unnecessary.
    Krystal Nurse, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
  • However, after making season one, Gilroy and Luna both realized that their initial aim was too ambitious and likely required at least a decade of their lives to fulfill.
    Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • If projections around the tariffs’ impact are correct, then getting some shopping done now could save you time and money later.
    Sara Coughlin, SELF, 10 Apr. 2025
  • California family discusses ongoing legal and political battle to 'save girls' sports' as issue heats up Taylor and Ryan Starling of Riverside, California discussed their ongoing lawsuit over trans inclusion in girls' sports, speaking at the state capital and all the fallout that has come with it.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Grant Williams wasn’t going anywhere yet and was among the last to finally emerge from his latest training session rehabilitating his torn right ACL.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 5 Apr. 2025
  • But Daniels, 27, is still rehabilitating an Achilles injury from Week 5 of last season.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • We don’t get compensated until something goes into production.
    Lauren Coates, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Both Labor and the coalition pledged to directly intervene, if necessary, by exercising the power to acquire the lease and compensating Landbridge Group.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This could suggest that while attackers are targeting more victims, fewer are giving in to ransom demands.
    Sam Sabin, Axios, 7 Feb. 2025
  • While Mikhail managed to escape by climbing out a window and taking refuge in a nearby nunnery, the men took his son hostage, and Mikhail was not able to ransom him until several days later.
    Youmna Melhem Chamieh, Harper's Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Then the band climbed into the hot dog, briefly reclaimed from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and soared around the arena.
    Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Eternal Sunshine Rules Multiple Billboard Charts In addition to leading the sales-only ranking, Eternal Sunshine also reclaims the top spot on the Vinyl Albums chart.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Only six games remain, and if the players continue to repay the faith Igor Tudor is putting in them, the Coach should succeed in his mission to secure Champions League football for Juventus next season.
    Adam Digby, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Consumers and businesses could struggle to repay their loans if the import levies reignite inflation and dampen economic growth.
    Niket Nishant and Nupur Anand, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Armed with billion-dollar domestic media rights deals, the three power countries have been under pressure to satisfy broadcasters wanting more marquee series.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Those details didn’t satisfy attorneys for Consumer Watchdog, an advocacy organization challenging the request.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Redeem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/redeem. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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