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 Overlooking Antananarivo’s undulating skyline of red, white, and ochre buildings, the Musée de la Photo—founded in 2018—preserves Malagasy photographic heritage by digitizing images from 1860 to 1960, encouraging local audiences to reclaim their history. —Liam Freeman, Vogue, 29 July 2025 Here in corporate America, while Trump makes bedfellow with big soda, reclaiming our health is up to consumers. —Jennifer Lutz, New York Daily News, 29 July 2025 Oasis’ greatest hits collection Time Flies… 1994-2009 reclaimed the top spot last week (July 11) as the band kicked off their Live ‘25 reunion tour. —Thomas Smith, Billboard, 20 July 2025 There’s a clear battle between the two to see who becomes the leading alternate if Jones can’t reclaim his spot. —Phil Rogers, Forbes.com, 18 July 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.
    — KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
  • The firm was created with the mission to help financially distressed individuals regain control of their lives.
    — Jason Phillips, USA Today, 26 July 2025
Definition of regain
Verb
  • The funding the committee advanced on Tuesday would help rehabilitate the building, including fixing the plumbing while increasing the number of beds and adding 24/7 medical staffing.
    — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2025
  • Bondi and Burgum met with park police on the island and directed staff to collaborate on plans to rehabilitate and reopen Alcatraz, but didn’t make public remarks.
    — Kate Talerico, Mercury News, 17 July 2025
Definition of rehabilitate
Verb
  • Created at manufacture, this immutable record of ownership and service history authenticates items for resale, dismantles counterfeit markets and provides auditable proof of recycling.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • The protectionist trade policy, often at odds with environmental goals, is in fact building the economic case for recycling the millions of tonnes of scrap metal exported every year.
    — Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 24 July 2025
Definition of recycle
Verb
  • In November 2022, Ukraine recaptured the western bank during its counteroffensive when Russian forces abandoned the city of Kherson.
    — Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • As the team looks to recapture a lead in the American League East division and ultimately return to the World Series this fall, its shopping list includes relievers, a third baseman and a starting pitcher capable of slotting in alongside Max Fried, Carlos Rodon and, eventually, Luis Gil.
    — Peter Chawaga, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
Definition of recapture
Verb
  • Here’s how to claim your lottery prize All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600.
    — Detroit Free Press Staff, Freep.com, 28 July 2025
  • Here’s how to claim your lottery prize All Arizona Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $100 and may redeem winnings up to $599.
    — Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 28 July 2025
Definition of redeem
Verb
  • If it’s being called a fumble, S Dante Trader recovered it.
    — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2025
  • Leaders often move on to operational recovery while teams are still recovering emotionally.
    — Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Definition of recover
Verb
  • Police have said Fahey retrieved a gun from his home during the argument, which stemmed from Reyes and Glover filming at the sergeant’s home while seeking information about the trooper’s overtime pay.
    — Staff report, Hartford Courant, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Temple University Police responded to the scene and retrieved seven dogs and a cat from the vehicle.
    — Rachel Raposas, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of retrieve

Browse Nearby Words

reckon with
reclaim
reclaimable
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Cite this Entry

“Reclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reclaim. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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