REDEEM Synonyms: 106 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of redeem are deliver , ransom , reclaim , rescue , and save . While all these words mean "to set free from confinement or danger," 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 is 'deliver' a more appropriate choice than 'redeem'?

The words deliver and redeem can be used in similar contexts, but deliver implies release usually of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering. // delivered his people from bondage

Q: When can 'ransom' be used instead of 'redeem'?

Although the words ransom and redeem have much in common, ransom specifically applies to buying out of captivity. // tried to ransom the kidnap victim

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

The synonyms reclaim and redeem are sometimes interchangeable, but reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased. // reclaimed long-abandoned farms

Q: When would 'rescue' be a good substitute for 'redeem'?

While in some cases nearly identical to redeem , rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action. // rescued the crew of a sinking ship

Q: In what contexts can 'save' take the place of 'redeem'?

The words save and redeem are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

redeem

verb

ri-ˈdēm

Definition of redeem

as in to fulfill

to do what is required by the terms of the Little League coach redeemed his promise to take the players out for ice cream if they improved their fielding over the season

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to save

to free from captivity or punishment by paying a price the government has consistently refused to redeem hostages captured by terrorists

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to forgive

to free from the penalties or consequences of sin the belief that sinners are redeemed by their faith in God

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to rehabilitate

to make better in behavior or character the unfaithful husband made a determined effort to redeem himself in the eyes of his wife and children

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to compensate

to make up for (an offense) quickly redeemed the offending remark with a sincere and unconditional apology

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb redeem contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of redeem are deliver, ransom, reclaim, rescue, and save. While all these words mean "to set free from confinement or danger," 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 is deliver a more appropriate choice than redeem?

The words deliver and redeem can be used in similar contexts, but deliver implies release usually of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering.

delivered his people from bondage

When can ransom be used instead of redeem?

Although the words ransom and redeem have much in common, ransom specifically applies to buying out of captivity.

tried to ransom the kidnap victim

When might reclaim be a better fit than redeem?

The synonyms reclaim and redeem are sometimes interchangeable, but reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased.

reclaimed long-abandoned farms

When would rescue be a good substitute for redeem?

While in some cases nearly identical to redeem, rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action.

rescued the crew of a sinking ship

In what contexts can save take the place of redeem?

The words save and redeem are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 redeem The promotion enabled a Timeless Ticket holder to redeem that ticket and become eligible to buy three additional tickets to that game for the full retail price. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 In his sweeping new novel, Chad Harbach studies the crisis of being a college student in 2015—and of being a writer trying to redeem realist fiction. — B. D. McClay, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026 Fantasy 5 players who get two of the five numbers can redeem that ticket for a free Quick Pick ticket for the next Fantasy 5 drawing. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026 Customers who participate in Restaurant Week will also receive a passport containing additional offers and discounts that can be redeemed for up to 45 days after the event ends. — Jessica Riley, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for redeem

Recent Examples of Synonyms for redeem

Verb

Some of the weapons from American manufacturers purchased during the Biden administration are still flowing to Ukraine, but many of those contracts have been fulfilled.

— Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
As a result, critics have likened Achilles to a carpetbagger, and called him a political opportunist who failed to fulfill his commitment to voters.

— Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of fulfill

Verb

Yes, but this doesn’t save a business from the compliance nightmare.

— Daniel Kjellén, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
The first in the ACOTAR series, the romantasy novel introduces us to Feyre Archeron, a human woman who agrees to go live in the fairie realm of Prythian in order to save her family.

— Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of save

Verb

Too dependent on one style Nike bought Converse for $305 million in 2003, seeing enormous potential to rehabilitate an iconic brand.

— Phil Wahba, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026
The Scarritt Renaissance Neighborhood Association has looked to secure funding to rehabilitate the buildings but work remains ongoing.

— Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of rehabilitate

Verb

Restitution for the victims has yet to be decided, but the government has argued that they should be compensated for years of therapy, loss of income, and other related losses.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026
David’s publisher, Radler, compensates authors for their laughable advances with a staggering number of complimentary copies.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of compensate

Verb

In true dump cake style, add all ingredients to create a pumpkin filling and top with boxed yellow cake mix and butter to create a warm, satisfying dessert that’s perfect for holidays and weeknights.

— Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026
The salty bacon and fluffy eggs formed that classic breakfast flavor, while the potatoes added a satisfying heartiness without weighing the taco down.

— Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of satisfy

Verb

Following a surrender, Indians pulled militia men from the retreating lines, killing some on the spot and taking others prisoner, to be ransomed in Montreal.

— James Whorton Jr, Longreads, 13 Oct. 2026
Someone had come up with the idea of kidnapping Shergar and holdin' him to ransom.

— Jon Wertheim, CBS News, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of ransom

Verb

Today, nature has reclaimed this idyllic spot—where Ingunn spent childhood summer days picking berries and swimming—with waterfalls and carpets of reindeer moss.

— Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2026
Aelin, the artist previously known as Celaena, is back and ready to reclaim her throne.

— Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of reclaim

Verb

The school was paid for with a combination of state funds, district funds and a state loan the charter would have to repay.

— Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
When inflation remains elevated, investors generally demand higher yields on long-term bonds to compensate for the declining purchasing power of the money they'll eventually be repaid.

— Mike Winters, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of repay

Cite this Entry

Style

“Redeem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/redeem. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of redeem

verb

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