reclaim

verb

re·​claim ri-ˈklām How to pronounce reclaim (audio)
reclaimed; reclaiming; reclaims
Synonyms of reclaimnext

transitive verb

1
a
: to recall from wrong or improper conduct : reform
b
: tame, subdue
2
a
: to rescue from an undesirable state
also : to restore to a previous natural state
reclaim mining sites
b
: to make available for human use by changing natural conditions
reclaim swampland
3
: to obtain from a waste product or by-product : recover
reclaimed plastic
4
a
: to demand or obtain the return of
b
: to regain possession of
reclaimable
ri-ˈklā-mə-bəl How to pronounce reclaim (audio)
adjective

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for reclaim

rescue, deliver, redeem, ransom, reclaim, save mean to set free from confinement or danger.

rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action.

rescued the crew of a sinking ship

deliver implies release usually of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering.

delivered his people from bondage

redeem implies releasing from bondage or penalties by giving what is demanded or necessary.

job training designed to redeem school dropouts from chronic unemployment

ransom specifically applies to buying out of captivity.

tried to ransom the kidnap victim

reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased.

reclaimed long-abandoned farms

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

Examples of reclaim in a Sentence

Sons and daughters are proudly reclaiming the traditions that their parents had forgotten. She reclaimed the title of world champion this year. You might be able to reclaim some of the money you contributed. Environmental groups have been reclaiming contaminated sites.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In a significant policy reversal, which will come into effect on March 27, the SSA will resume withholding 100 percent of Social Security payments to reclaim any overpayments. — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025 Jérémie’s return, as if to reclaim his place in the community, holds the promise of filling a vacancy in the life of the village. — Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025 With the dwarfs and bandits by her side, Snow White vows to reclaim her parents’ home and restore peace to her impoverished kingdom. — Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025 This self-awareness is the first step toward reclaiming your emotional independence and building a stronger sense of self-worth. — Mark Travers, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reclaim

Word History

Etymology

Middle English reclamen, from Anglo-French reclamer, from Latin reclamare to cry out, protest, from re- + clamare to cry out — more at claim

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of reclaim was in the 14th century

Rhymes for reclaim

See All Rhymes for reclaim

Browse Nearby Words

reclad
reclaim
reclaimant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reclaim. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

reclaim

verb
re·​claim ri-ˈklām How to pronounce reclaim (audio)
1
: to make someone better in behavior or character : reform
reclaim criminals
2
: to change to a desirable condition or state
reclaim the desert for agriculture
also : to restore to a previous natural state
reclaim mining sites
3
: to obtain from a waste product or by-product : recover
reclaimed wool
reclaimable
-ˈklā-mə-bəl How to pronounce reclaim (audio)
adjective

Legal Definition

reclaim

transitive verb
re·​claim ˌrē-ˈklām How to pronounce reclaim (audio)
1
: to make fit or available for human use
reclaiming land that had been strip-mined
2
a
: to demand the return of by right
b
: to regain possession of

More from Merriam-Webster on reclaim

Nglish: Translation of reclaim for Spanish Speakers

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