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
At best, the new tax break means many seniors will save some money on taxes over four years. —Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 14 July 2025 Their bravery and quick action undoubtedly saved many lives. —Shane Croucher john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 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
  • 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
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
  • But five days later, a passing Russian freighter rescued Cavanagh and a crewmate, Deborah Scaling.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 13 July 2025
Definition of rescue
Verb
  • There is probably no better example of a shortstop conserving his throwing arm than the one who left town Thursday night, Texas Rangers star Corey Seager.
    — Mike Digiovanna, Oc Register, 13 July 2025
  • Suggesting that extinction can be reversed through technology risks undermining the urgency of conserving existing species and ecosystems, critics say.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 9 July 2025
Definition of conserve
Verb
  • The board is fighting to preserve its designation as a community action agency, navigating foreclosure and cooperating with the Department of Administration's forensic audit.
    — Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 18 July 2025
  • With many rare plants in danger, and an extensive specimen library to preserve, the modernization and renovation of the gardens progressed quickly and are proving all the more essential.
    — Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 19 July 2025
Definition of preserve
Verb
  • Whitmer, for her part, wants the chance to dedicate more resources for CVI.
    — Andrea May Sahouri, Freep.com, 25 July 2025
  • Around the world, many airports already have dedicated screening lanes for families, including Incheon International Airport (ICN) in Seoul, Istanbul Airport (IST), and Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha.
    — AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 23 July 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
  • May Allah Almighty forgive your shortcomings and grant you the highest ranks of Jannah.
    — Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
  • But those scenes tend to be very funny, and funny forgives a lot.
    — Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 11 July 2025
Definition of forgive
Verb
  • The prosecution and defense reached a plea agreement that spares Kohberger from the death penalty in exchange for four life sentences and a maximum 10-year sentence for the burglary charge.
    — Mandy Taheri Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
  • With just hours to spare before South Park‘s Season 27 premiere tonight, the show’s future has been locked in for the next five years.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 23 July 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 29 Jul. 2025.

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