Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

rescue

[res-kyoo] / ˈrɛs kyu /
NOUN
saving from danger
Synonyms
STRONGEST
delivery recovery relief salvage
STRONG
deliverance disembarrassment disentanglement emancipation exploit extrication feat heroics heroism liberation performance ransom reclaiming reclamation recovering redemption release salvation saving
Antonyms
STRONG
failure
WEAK
danger peril
VERB
save from danger
Synonyms
STRONGEST
extricate free keep liberate preserve protect recapture recover release retrieve salvage
STRONG
conserve deliver disembarrass disentangle emancipate manumit ransom redeem regain retain safeguard spring unleash unloose
WEAK
bail one out get off the hook get out get out of hock give a break hold over pull out of the fire save life of set free
Antonyms
STRONGEST
give harm hold hurt injure limit lose restrain
STRONG
forfeit imprison spend
WEAK
imperil

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A scoop or two in the batter keeps the loaf moist for days, extending the life of something that already started as a rescue mission.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

Other rescue strategies, like moving the animals elsewhere or fencing them off from predators, are unfeasible or unlikely to be effective at saving the caribou.

From Slate • Apr. 28, 2026

"The government remains fully committed to ensuring the rescue of all the victims," Fanwo said.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

Bed Bath & Beyond had tried to rescue the Container Store, another struggling retail chain, in 2024, but the effort fell through.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

And how could anyone come to our rescue when they had no idea where we were?

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

Vocabulary lists containing rescue

Beowulf vocabulary

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Enabling or Disabling?" and "This I Believe"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia, List 3

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!