save 1 of 2

verb

ˈsāv How to pronounce save (audio)
Definition of savenext
1
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

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2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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
The anime follows secret agents hunting for a vaccine to save humanity. —Rebecca Luther, TVLine, 29 Mar. 2025 While Jun-no’s priority is saving the company, more than a few executives are focused on saving themselves. —Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Preposition
As of Sunday, all other airlines have already ended their flights to mainland China from SFO, which normally has more departures to China than any other U.S. airport save Los Angeles International. —Mallory Moench, SFChronicle.com, 12 Feb. 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
  1. redeem
  2. rescue
  3. conserve
  4. preserve
  5. dedicate
  6. except
  7. forgive
  8. spare
Verb
  • Raise your status to redeem better bonuses and discounts for traveling. NHL fans can find a Hat Trick Jackpot.
    — Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Customers may redeem a free Ben & Jerry's scoop of their choice, cone included, at any participating Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop on Free Cone Day.
    — Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of redeem
Verb
  • Hundreds had to be rescued, and most of the deaths were caused by vehicles getting stuck in high water.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Now, the man who cuckolded him has also rescued him from certain death.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of rescue
Verb
  • By implementing regenerative agricultural practices, SRI focuses on enhancing soil health, conserving biodiversity, reducing chemical dependency, and promoting water conservation.
    — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Add compost, pine bark, or pine straw about 1 to 2 inches deep to conserve moisture and slow down weeds.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of conserve
Verb
  • Currently, visitors to Maui can assist in restoring and preserving the island’s cultural and archaeological sites with Maui Cultural Lands or participate in cleanup events and invasive species removal with Malama Maui Nui.
    — Shoshi Parks, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
  • This consistency also makes this after-sun lotion great for daily use to keep skin hydrated and preserve your tan.
    — Marilyn La Jeunesse, Glamour, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of preserve
Verb
  • Colby College in Maine has dedicated a website to the church describing the various scenes and the 13 artists featured in the building.
    — Ashley J. DiMella Fox News, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • This poignant admission from a performer who has dedicated a significant portion of his life to professional wrestling highlights the demanding nature of the business and the inevitable impact of time on even the most resilient athletes.
    — Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
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
  • Fans have not forgiven him for trading a global superstar in the prime of his career.
    — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Please forgive us for probably passing over your favorite race at the storied track.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 13 Apr. 2025
Definition of forgive
Verb
  • Last year, the two congressmen wrote Chen a letter urging her to spare McMahon prison time, citing his service as a police officer and dedication to his family.
    — Krystal Nurse, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Since October 7th, Israel has publicly pledged to spare nonmilitary infrastructure and personnel.
    — Clayton Dalton, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of spare

Browse Nearby Words

savants
save
saved
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Cite this Entry

“Save.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/save. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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