RESCUE Synonyms: 39 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'rescue' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rescue are deliver , ransom , reclaim , redeem , and save . While all these words mean "to set free from confinement or danger," rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action. // rescued the crew of a sinking ship

Q: When is 'deliver' a more appropriate choice than 'rescue'?

In some situations, the words deliver and rescue are roughly equivalent. However, deliver implies release usually of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering. // delivered his people from bondage

Q: When is it sensible to use 'ransom' instead of 'rescue'?

The synonyms ransom and rescue are sometimes interchangeable, but ransom specifically applies to buying out of captivity. // tried to ransom the kidnap victim

Q: In what contexts can 'reclaim' take the place of 'rescue'?

Although the words reclaim and rescue have much in common, reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased. // reclaimed long-abandoned farms

Q: When might 'redeem' be a better fit than 'rescue'?

The words redeem and rescue can be used in similar contexts, 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

Q: When can 'save' be used instead of 'rescue'?

The meanings of save and rescue largely overlap; however, 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

rescue 1 of 2

noun

Definition of rescue

as in salvation

the saving from danger or evil stranded people hoping for rescue from the rising floodwaters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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rescue

2 of 2

verb

ˈre-(ˌ)skyü

as in to save

to remove from danger or harm an all-out effort to rescue a beached whale

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the verb rescue contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of rescue are deliver, ransom, reclaim, redeem, and save. While all these words mean "to set free from confinement or danger," rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action.

rescued the crew of a sinking ship

When is deliver a more appropriate choice than rescue?

In some situations, the words deliver and rescue are roughly equivalent. However, deliver implies release usually of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering.

delivered his people from bondage

When is it sensible to use ransom instead of rescue?

The synonyms ransom and rescue are sometimes interchangeable, but ransom specifically applies to buying out of captivity.

tried to ransom the kidnap victim

In what contexts can reclaim take the place of rescue?

Although the words reclaim and rescue have much in common, reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased.

reclaimed long-abandoned farms

When might redeem be a better fit than rescue?

The words redeem and rescue can be used in similar contexts, 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 can save be used instead of rescue?

The meanings of save and rescue largely overlap; however, 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 rescue

Noun

Isshin disapproves of the use of the Dragon’s Heritage and secretly helps Wolf rescue Kuro by directing his doctor, Emma, to tip off Wolf about Kuro’s location. — Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026 Searchers utilized the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office’s drone team along with search and rescue volunteers, the news release said. — Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 27 Aug. 2026

Verb

He isn’t being asked to rescue Miami because Ward already did that. — Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026 There were 16 newborns in the ward when the fire broke out, one of whom was rescued, Geo reported. — Reuters, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rescue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for rescue

Noun

Through the struggle, humans find the purpose of life and find salvation.

— Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 26 Aug. 2026
Summary Wonder Works Studio, facing financial ruin, found salvation with its Roblox hit, *SpongeBob Tower Defense*, amassing over 600 million visits.

— Ian Shepherd, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of salvation

Verb

As impressive as many space-saving tiny houses are, not everyone is cut out for climbing into small lofts using movable ladders, or sleeping on a sofa bed every night.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Goldman found Koreans in their sixties save more than any other age group, retaining 37% of their income.

— Mia Osmonbekov, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of save

Verb

That led to formation of the Manchester Historical Society and a concerted campaign to salvage history in town.

— Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026
The judge ordered the company to file an inventory of the 5,500 artifacts, including when and where each item was salvaged, its current location, and its condition.

— Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of salvage

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rescue

rescued

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“Rescue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rescue. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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verb

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