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
Meanwhile, the Bills could cut tight end Dawson Knox to save almost $10 million in cap space in 2026. —Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 If captured correctly, these fees can reduce your taxable income and save you on taxes. —Shehan Chandrasekera, Forbes, 17 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 | Hkoplowitz@al.com, 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
  • 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
  • If unable to do so, the company will redeem all public shares and liquidate.
    — Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of redeem
Verb
  • An 82-year-old Louisiana man was rescued by authorities after spending multiple hours stuck in thick mud while fishing.
    — Angel Saunders, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Two members of Landi’s crew survived by clinging onto pieces of wood until a passing vessel rescued them the next day.
    — Ian Urbina, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of rescue
Verb
  • Under the thoughtful stewardship of its current owners, the forested land is being conserved and the gardens have been lovingly reimagined to pay tribute to their original designer, Ellen Biddle Shipman, one of America’s first female landscape architects.
    — Amy Astley, Architectural Digest, 18 Mar. 2025
  • In the quest for sustainability, industries must innovate and embrace water-saving practices to conserve resources, reduce costs and protect the environment.
    — Sahit Muja, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of conserve
Verb
  • The researchers are proposing this as a better way to preserve the memories of your beloved toys and other personal items, as well as to help present objects for closer examination to museum visitors.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Apr. 2025
  • But underperformer and all, he’s still headed to Washington to preserve Republicans’ paper-thin majority in the U.S. House.
    — David Catanese, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025
Definition of preserve
Verb
  • The Last Week Tonight host recently dedicated an entire episode of his talk show to dissecting the issue of transgender athletes in competitive sports, a subject on which Rowling has been very vocal.
    — Shania Russell, EW.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Even Izzard’s brief epilogue, charmingly dedicating the performance to a fellow thespian, crackles with more verve than the most famous of soliloquies.
    — Karen D'Souza, Mercury News, 7 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
  • In The Atlantic, Jonathan Chait forgives his ideological compatriots their Covid-era sins.
    — Jack Butler, National Review, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Fans of the show knew Mama Mary for her positive energy and forgiving spirit.
    — Toria Sheffield, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Definition of forgive
Verb
  • June eventually found herself at Serena’s mercy and was spared; June then, as luck would have it, delivered Serena’s baby and was later reunited with Luke.
    — Abigail Lee, Variety, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, meanwhile, is pleading with DeSantis to spare Tanzi's life.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 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 13 Apr. 2025.

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