reclaim

verb

re·claim | \ ri-ˈklām

reclaimed; reclaiming; reclaims

Definition of reclaim

transitive verb

1a : to recall from wrong or improper conduct : reform

b : tame, subdue

2a : 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

4a : to demand or obtain the return of

b : to regain possession of

Other Words from reclaim Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about reclaim

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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. Acres of land were reclaimed by conservationists. The factory reclaims fibers from textile wastes.

Recent Examples on the Web

The central insight most political analysts claim to offer about electoral upsets—and a central tenet of the self-understanding of the insurgents themselves—is that voters are reclaiming national... — Joseph C. Sternberg, WSJ, "Taking Back Some Other Guy’s Control," 28 Feb. 2019 Daenerys decides to sail across the Narrow Sea and reclaim the Iron Throne held by her father, the mad king. — John Carucci, The Seattle Times, "It’s not too late to dive into ‘Game of Thrones,’ with help," 13 Apr. 2019 But architect John Toya, who lives off Alamo Square, brought his personality and a sense of whimsy to his apartment, filling it with mementos from his travels and reclaimed industrial cast-offs. — Asad Syrkett, Curbed, "Year in Curbed: The best of House Calls," 26 Dec. 2018 Although the midterms saw the Democrats optimistically reclaim the House of Representatives, anyone even vaguely paying attention still has to deal with Trump's hateful recklessness almost daily. — Anne T. Donahue, Marie Claire, "In 2018, Horror Movies Are the Most Comforting Things I Watch," 19 Nov. 2018 Today, once-opulent manor houses are being reclaimed by nature, tree branches and ferns sprouting through roofs and windows. — Gabriele Steinhauser, WSJ, "Fantasized About Being a Castaway? Check Out This Island Holiday," 18 Dec. 2018 Today, the jungle has reclaimed most of the land once farmed by the Maya, and many of their cities now lie hidden beneath dense foliage. — Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, "Carbon impact of ancient Maya farming may still be felt," 22 Aug. 2018 But the Baltimore program operated by Humanim is unique for its focus on deconstruction and refurbishing reclaimed wood. — Aamer Madhani, USA TODAY, "Baltimore is mired in violent crime. Could part of the solution be found in reclaimed wood?," 10 June 2018 Next door, the airy tasting room for Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards, founded by pioneering county wine-maker Richard Sanford, incorporates reclaimed Douglas fir, ironwork, and a live olive tree into a converted warehouse. — Matt Jaffe, Los Angeles Magazine, "What to Drink, Eat, and See on a Weekend Wine Getaway to the Santa Ynez Valley," 26 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'reclaim.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.