preserve

verb

pri-ˈzərv How to pronounce preserve (audio)
Definition of preservenext
as in to conserve
to keep in good condition vigilantly preserving the ancient statue for future generations to enjoy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 preserve Not only is Earth's celestial neighbor a pristine time capsule ripe for study – preserved almost unaltered throughout the course of billions of years – but the moon is viewed as a stepping stone for human exploration deeper into space. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 30 June 2026 Restrictions that prevent Ukraine from striking legitimate military targets only help Russia preserve sanctuary, mass forces, and prolong the war. — David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Nearly a century ago, President Roosevelt urged Americans to build the military infrastructure needed to preserve our democratic ideals during a time of profound global crisis. — Marc Andersen, Fortune, 30 June 2026 Behind Luka Doncic, the Lakers took care of Austin Reaves by agreeing to a four-year, $185-million contract that will be officially signed toward the end of the offseason to help the Lakers preserve maximum cap flexibility. — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for preserve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preserve
  1. conserve
  2. maintain
  3. save
  4. protect
Verb
  • In Cañon City, Colorado, authorities are aiming for a 20% to 30% reduction in water use while asking residents to voluntarily conserve outdoor water consumption.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • This will be a physically gruelling knockout stage, the first World Cup with five knockout matches, and conserving energy for later matches makes sense.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of conserve
Verb
  • Those resources include avenues to help seniors maintain regular exercise, ongoing positive social connections, appropriate living situations, transportation and more.
    — Rachel Brown Kirkland, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
  • The business in question is stealing Georgia’s nightclub idea, though Charlie maintains that’s not what’s happening because his club won’t have any bowling.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 2 July 2026
Definition of maintain
Verb
  • There’s a bunch of new things across most of the 2026 range, mainly cosmetic, but also hardware and weight-saving stuff as well.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
  • The measure could incentivize lawmakers to save more money because funds tucked away in the rainy day fund would no longer be considered expenditures counted toward the spending limit.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of save
Verb
  • The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
    — CA Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026
  • There aren’t enough ships to protect the reopening trade routes from pirates.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026
Definition of protect

Browse Nearby Words

preservative
preserve
preserved
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preserve.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preserve. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on preserve

Nglish: Translation of preserve for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about preserve

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