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Hostage: alternatives and connections

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26,102 words currently have published synonym-style alternatives
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350,924 published thesaurus relationships of every type
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Hostage

A person given as a pledge or security for the performance of the conditions of a treaty or stipulations of any kind, on the performance of which the person is to be released.

43 useful connections shown 3 reviewed relationships and 40 broader connections.
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Reviewed alternatives and contrasts

These links were deliberately created. Use the interchangeability score and guidance to judge whether a word will work in your sentence.

Broader term 2

Captive 76% connected

A prisoner taken by force or stratagem, esp., by an enemy, in war; one kept in bondage or in the power of another.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Prisoner 76% connected

One who is confined in a prison.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Synonym 1

Surety 92% connected

The state of being sure; certainty; security.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

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Words connected by meaning

Their definitions overlap or refer to similar ideas. Use these to widen your search, then compare the exact meanings.