Find Synonyms

ransom Synonyms

Another word for ransom

Choosing another word for ransom depends on context, so the 14 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 4 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

A sum of money or other payment demanded or paid for the release of a captive, prisoner, or seized property.

Usage Example

"The noble family raised a substantial payoff to secure the release of the captured knight."

Strong
payoff
Weak
tribute

• verb (Context 2)

To obtain the release of a captive or seized item by paying a demanded price.

Usage Example

"The crown agreed to redeem the captured diplomat before winter set in."

Strong
redeem
buy out
liberate
free
Weak
rescue
deliver

• noun (Context 3)

The act of freeing a prisoner or captive, or delivering someone from a penalty or obligation, in exchange for payment.

Usage Example

"Ancient legal codes often outlined the specific terms required for the redemption of prisoners of war."

Strong
redemption
deliverance
release
liberation

• verb (Context 4)

To hold a person or item captive and demand payment for their release, or to release them upon receiving such payment.

Usage Example

"Pirates in the region frequently sought to extort merchant vessels back to their trading companies."

Strong
extort
Weak
blackmail

Opposites of ransom

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

imprison
captivity
kidnap
capture
abduct
imprisonment
See all opposites of ransom

Cite this Entry


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