reclaim

verb

ri-ˈklām How to pronounce reclaim (audio)
Definition of reclaimnext
1
as in to regain
to get again in one's possession she reclaimed the championship title after losing it last year

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to rehabilitate
to make better in behavior or character a program to reclaim juvenile offenders by requiring them to do community service

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to recycle
to obtain (a raw material) by separating it from a by-product or waste product after reclaiming the glycerin from used vegetable oil, you can use the oil to create a fuel that burns cleaner than regular gasoline

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb reclaim contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of reclaim are deliver, ransom, redeem, rescue, and save. While all these words mean "to set free from confinement or danger," reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased.

reclaimed long-abandoned farms

Where would deliver be a reasonable alternative to reclaim?

While the synonyms deliver and reclaim are close in meaning, deliver implies release usually of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering.

delivered his people from bondage

When could ransom be used to replace reclaim?

The words ransom and reclaim can be used in similar contexts, but ransom specifically applies to buying out of captivity.

tried to ransom the kidnap victim

When is it sensible to use redeem instead of reclaim?

The meanings of redeem and reclaim largely overlap; however, redeem implies releasing from bondage or penalties by giving what is demanded or necessary.

job training designed to redeem school dropouts from chronic unemployment

In what contexts can rescue take the place of reclaim?

Although the words rescue and reclaim have much in common, rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action.

rescued the crew of a sinking ship

When can save be used instead of reclaim?

While in some cases nearly identical to reclaim, save may replace any of the foregoing terms; it may further imply a preserving or maintaining for usefulness or continued existence.

an operation that saved my life

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of reclaim Ultimately, reclaiming the human element in the job market is an investment in a more ethical, effective and sustainable future for all. —Sherry Martin, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 If a lot goes unused for seventy-five years, the cemetery can petition to reclaim it. —Paige Williams, New Yorker, 2 June 2025 Moreover, the sun will join Jupiter in Cancer on June 24, followed by a new moon in this Water sign, signaling a powerful moment to let go of past baggage and reclaim your power. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 1 June 2025 June is your invitation to walk your talk and finally reclaim your power! —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for reclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reclaim
  1. regain
  2. rehabilitate
  3. recycle
  4. recapture
  5. redeem
  6. recover
  7. retrieve
Verb
  • Turn into the skid - Turning into the skid can help the vehicle's tires realign to regain control.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 June 2025
  • Jansen’s blast to left field regained the advantage for the Rays before the Marlins countered with a big inning in the fifth.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 8 June 2025
Definition of regain
Verb
  • It had last been rehabilitated in 2014, and runways are typically updated about every 10 years, the statement said.
    — Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 1 June 2025
  • The bridge, originally built in 1913 by the American Bridge Company, has been rehabilitated by the same company, according to a statement.
    — Staff report, Hartford Courant, 27 May 2025
Definition of rehabilitate
Verb
  • Shoppers can even recycle directly through the brand—send back five empties and get a $25 gift card in return.
    — Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 6 June 2025
  • As one of the circularity projects, Saudi Arabia recycled more than five tons of them and turned them into 26,000 new ones that are being sold in local shops.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 6 June 2025
Definition of recycle
Verb
  • There was plenty to celebrate for the theater business, which seems to have recaptured its stride after a long and painful post-pandemic recovery.
    — Michaela Zee, Variety, 8 June 2025
  • However, the musical struggled to recapture the same momentum from before the pandemic and ended its run early.
    — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 3 June 2025
Definition of recapture
Verb
  • Once their reading log is filled, participants can turn the log in to redeem prizes.
    — Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2025
  • Kane redeems himself, ties the game, 1-1 From the Edmonton blueline, defenseman Evan Bouchard quickly headmanned the puck to Viktor Arvidsson, who turned it to a flying Evander Kane.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025
Definition of redeem
Verb
  • Then, nearly 20 days after Coone vanished, his body was recovered from near Dungeness Spit off the northern coast of Washington, according to KING.
    — Brian Brant, People.com, 6 June 2025
  • Israeli forces have rescued eight living hostages from Gaza and recovered dozens of bodies.
    — Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2025
Definition of recover
Verb
  • The owner will not face any citations, but will have to pay a standard impound fee before retrieving the snake.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 June 2025
  • According to the outlet, Atlantic City police retrieved one of two instruments stolen from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on May 31 as Heart prepared to launch their An Evening with Heart tour.
    — Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 11 June 2025
Definition of retrieve

Browse Nearby Words

reckon with
reclaim
reclaimable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reclaim. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of reclaim for Spanish Speakers

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