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hostage Synonyms

Another word for hostage

Choosing another word for hostage depends on context, so the synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

A person seized or held as security for the fulfillment of a condition, demand, or ransom.

Usage Example

"The negotiators worked through the night to secure the safe release of every captive."

Strongest
captive
Strong
prisoner
detainee
pawn

• noun (Context 2)

A person or thing that is controlled, constrained, or placed at the mercy of an external circumstance or force.

Usage Example

"Without diversified energy sources, the local economy remained a pawn to fluctuating oil prices."

Strong
pawn
victim
prisoner

Opposites of hostage

The opposite of hostage shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

captor
abductor
kidnapper
liberator
rescuer
See all opposites of hostage

• Nearby Words

hoss
host
hosta
hostage
hostel
hostess
hostile

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Hostage. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/hostage
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