conserve
8 synonyms and 1 antonym for conserve, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To use something carefully so it lasts, or to prevent it from being wasted or damaged.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To use something carefully so it lasts, or to prevent it from being wasted or damaged.
“We turned off the lights to conserve electricity.”
Opposites
How to use conserve
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
conserve energy
conserve water
conserve resources
Etymology
From Old French conserver, from Latin conservare, "to keep, preserve" — com- (intensive) plus servare ("to keep watch over").
Full origin of conserve →Frequently asked questions
What does “conserve” mean?
The word “conserve” means to use something carefully so it lasts, or to prevent it from being wasted or damaged. In plain terms, to protect or save something so it doesn't run out or get ruined.
How do you pronounce “conserve”?
“Conserve” is pronounced KON-surv (/ˈkɒnsɜː(ɹ)v/ in IPA).
How do you use “conserve” in a sentence?
Here is “conserve” used in a sentence: “We turned off the lights to conserve electricity.”
What part of speech is “conserve”?
Depending on how it is used, “conserve” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “conserve” come from?
The word “conserve” comes from Latin. From Old French conserver, from Latin conservare, "to keep, preserve" — com- (intensive) plus servare ("to keep watch over").
Is “conserve” a common word?
“Conserve” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “conserve” have?
“Conserve” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to use something carefully so it lasts, or to prevent it from being wasted or damaged.
