save

To help someone or something escape danger, injury, or death.

• You saved my life.
• Firefighters saved three people from the building.
• Can we save these injured birds?

How to use it: save someone/something from something (They saved the dog from the fire.)

Similar words: rescue, protect

Common phrases: save someone’s life, save someone from something, save the planet

To store information on a computer or other device so you can use it later.

• Save your work now.
• I saved the photos on my laptop.
• Have you saved the changes to this file?

How to use it: save something to something (Save the photo to your phone.); save something as something (Save the document as a PDF.)

Similar words: store

Common phrases: save a file, save your work, save the changes

To use less of something or avoid using it unnecessarily.

• Turn off lights to save electricity.
• The new route saved us an hour.
• Buying larger packs can save money.

How to use it: save someone something (This shortcut will save you time.); save on something (We save on heating by wearing warmer clothes.)

Similar words: conserve, economize on

Opposites: waste

Common phrases: save time, save money, save energy

To keep something rather than throw it away, use it, or give it to someone else.

• Save that box, please.
• I saved you a seat near the front.
• She saves every letter her son sends.

How to use it: save something for someone (Please save a piece of cake for me.)

Similar words: keep, retain

Common phrases: save something for someone, save a seat, save the receipt, save something for later

An action by a player that stops the other team from scoring.

• The goalkeeper made a great save.
• Her last save kept our team ahead.
• Did you see that diving save?

Similar words: block

Common phrases: make a save, brilliant save, penalty save

A baseball result credited to a replacement pitcher who finishes a game while keeping their team’s lead.

• The closer earned a save.
• He recorded thirty saves last season.
• She pitched the final inning and got the save.

Common phrases: earn a save, record a save, career save

Something someone does or says to avoid embarrassment or trouble after a mistake.

• Nice save! Nobody noticed your mistake.
• Her quick save kept the conversation friendly.
• Changing the subject was a good save after that awkward question.

Similar words: recovery

Common phrases: nice save, good save, quick save

Except for the person or thing mentioned.

• Everyone left save one child.
• The village was silent save for barking dogs.
• Nothing remained save a few broken chairs.

How to use it: save for someone/something (The room was empty save for a sleeping cat.)

Similar words: except, apart from

Common phrases: save for something, all save one, nothing save something