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Redeem

v. hopeful, resilient everyday

What it means

To repair the value or reputation of something through a later good act or outcome.

Reach for it when describing meaningful recovery from failure, loss, or a prior wrong

His patient second performance redeemed an uneven opening night.

Words to choose between 6

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom. Tap a word to see when it fits.
everyday
warm
professional
formal

  • everyday

    salvage

    Fits when some worth is rescued from failure

    Careful Salvage implies incomplete recovery.

  • warm

    make amends

    Fits when a person actively repairs harm

    Careful Amends requires responsibility to another.

  • warm

    rescue

    Fits when a situation is saved from a bad result

    Careful Rescue may involve an outside helper.

  • professional

    restore

    Fits when value or standing returns

    Careful Restoration may require no prior fault.

  • formal

    atone

    Fits when moral wrongdoing is acknowledged

    Careful Atonement is stronger and often religious.

  • formal

    vindicate

    Fits when later evidence proves a choice right

    Careful Vindication denies rather than repairs blame.

Opposites 3

  • disgrace
  • forfeit
  • worsen

Common phrases 3

  • redeem oneself

    She redeemed herself by returning and finishing the difficult task.

  • redeem a mistake

    One generous choice cannot fully redeem a mistake.

  • redeeming feature

    The courtyard was the building's chief redeeming feature.

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated