Looking for synonyms for save face? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of other ways to say save face.
- Maintain dignity
- Preserve reputation
- Uphold honor
- Keep up appearances
- Protect one’s image
- Avoid embarrassment
- Retain respect
- Cover up
- Keep one’s pride
- Defend one’s status
- Preserve self-respect
- Salvage pride
- Hold up one’s head
- Save one’s skin
- Prevent loss of face
- Keep face
- Maintain self-respect
- Guard one’s reputation
- Sustain honor
- Shield one’s image
Want to learn how to say save face professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.
1. Maintain Dignity
Used in situations where it’s important to preserve self-respect or composure, especially in difficult circumstances.
Example: “Despite the project’s failure, she managed to maintain dignity during the board meeting.”
2. Preserve Reputation
Refers to actions taken to keep a good public image or standing.
Example: “The company took immediate action to preserve its reputation after the mishap.”
3. Uphold Honor
Used in contexts where protecting personal or family honor is paramount.
Example: “He decided to resign to uphold the honor of his office.”
4. Keep Up Appearances
Refers to the act of maintaining an outward show of success or wellbeing, despite difficulties.
Example: “Despite financial challenges, the firm strived to keep up appearances to reassure investors.”
5. Protect One’s Image
Used when actions are taken to maintain a positive public or personal image.
Example: “The celebrity worked hard to protect her image during the scandal.”
6. Avoid Embarrassment
Refers to preventing situations that could cause shame or humiliation.
Example: “He carefully chose his words to avoid embarrassment in the sensitive negotiation.”
7. Retain Respect
Used when it’s important to keep the esteem or regard of others.
Example: “She handled the critique professionally, managing to retain respect from her peers.”
8. Cover Up
Implies hiding mistakes or failures to prevent damage to one’s reputation, though it often has a negative connotation.
Example: “The manager attempted to cover up the error, but the truth eventually came out.”
9. Keep One’s Pride
Refers to preserving one’s sense of self-worth or self-esteem.
Example: “After being overlooked for the promotion, he kept his pride and continued to perform excellently.”
10. Defend One’s Status
Used in scenarios where one’s social or professional standing is at risk.
Example: “As accusations surfaced, she had to defend her status within the organization.”
11. Preserve Self-Respect
Refers to maintaining one’s dignity and pride in oneself.
Example: “He declined the unreasonable request to preserve his self-respect.”
12. Salvage Pride
Used in situations where one tries to save whatever remains of one’s dignity after a setback.
Example: “After the project’s failure, the team focused on salvaging pride by learning from their mistakes.”
13. Hold Up One’s Head
Refers to maintaining one’s confidence and self-esteem, especially in challenging times.
Example: “Despite the criticism, he held up his head and continued to lead the team with confidence.”
14. Save One’s Skin
Often used in more informal or urgent contexts, referring to protecting oneself from blame or trouble.
Example: “In the meeting, she provided evidence to save her skin from the false accusations.”
15. Prevent Loss of Face
Refers to avoiding situations that could lead to a reduction in respect or esteem.
Example: “The diplomat skillfully navigated the conversation to prevent loss of face for both parties.”
16. Keep Face
Used in cultures where personal honor and social standing are highly valued.
Example: “In the delicate negotiations, both companies made concessions to keep face.”
17. Maintain Self-Respect
Refers to actions aimed at preserving one’s dignity and sense of worth.
Example: “Despite being unfairly criticized, she responded calmly to maintain self-respect.”
18. Guard One’s Reputation
Used when actively protecting one’s good name or public image.
Example: “The CEO was quick to guard his reputation amidst the controversial news.”
19. Sustain Honor
Refers to ongoing efforts to maintain personal or familial honor.
Example: “The soldier’s actions were driven by a desire to sustain honor above all else.”
20. Shield One’s Image
Used when taking steps to protect one’s public persona or professional image.
Example: “To shield her image, the politician addressed the allegations transparently and promptly.”
