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 Jamie Hood defiantly sets out to reclaim the trauma plot by doubling down on it, beginning with the title of her debut memoir, Trauma Plot: A Life. —Bekah Waalkes, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025 To reclaim his home, Shrek strikes a deal with Farquaad to rescue Princess Fiona from a tower — which is very difficult to get to, as it is guarded by a large dragon, among other obstacles. —Jane Lacroix, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025 Building the muscle and reclaiming your power to make things happen only requires a willingness to start. —Amanda Miller Littlejohn, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025 Those districts are almost certainly to be reclaimed by Team Blue when upcoming special elections are held to fill them. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 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
  • Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Just before her head reached the Hot Topics table, Sara Haines reached over to help her colleague regain composure, while the Ghost actress enthusiastically hit her iconic bell to signal for further help in detonating the conversation before things moved on.
    — EW.com, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of regain
Verb
  • Given Boeing's past missteps and problems, the flying public deserves to hear what changes are being made to rehabilitate the company's tarnished reputation.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Flashback: In 1989, the Fremont Arts Council launched a public art contest to rehabilitate the area under the bridge using neighborhood matching funds from the city.
    — Christine Clarridge, Axios, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of rehabilitate
Verb
  • Lithuania’s beverage container deposit system recycles 90% of bottles and cans annually.
    — Emese Maczko, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
  • At the event, participants can recycle shoes, clothes, small electronics and holiday lights for free.
    — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of recycle
Verb
  • Since recapturing the White House and both chambers of Congress, Republicans have largely been able to implement their agenda, but concerns are emerging as Democrats aim to exploit possible weaknesses that could either reinforce or disrupt the president’s winning streak.
    — Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Blomkamp can’t quite recapture the explosive propulsion of his debut feature, but Damon is a sturdy hero, and the director creates a convincingly junky future.
    — Jason Bailey, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of recapture
Verb
  • After a subpar skate during Wednesday’s short program, Sakamoto redeemed herself with a spectacular free skate on Friday to renew her podium chances.
    — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • If unable to do so, the company will redeem all public shares and liquidate.
    — Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of redeem
Verb
  • The markets quickly recovered and closed slightly lower at the end of the day.
    — George Petras, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025
  • In the bond market, Treasury yields rallied to recover some of their sharp drops from earlier weeks.
    — Elaine Kurtenbach, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of recover
Verb
  • This content was summarized by generative artificial intelligence using public filings retrieved from SEC.gov.
    — Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The boxes have automatic alert functions that contact emergency responders when a child is left inside so they can be retrieved quickly.
    — Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 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 14 Apr. 2025.

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