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

Water for new features could potentially come from two sources, surface water from Lake Pleasant or reclaimed water, according to Terry Lowe, deputy city manager and water resource management director. — Jen Fifield, azcentral, "Waterfront development in West Valley? Land owner says it's coming," 29 June 2019 The Dodgers reclaimed the lead in the fifth on an Alex Verdugo single off Gray. — Jorge Castillo, latimes.com, "Infielders’ tough inning costs Dodgers and Clayton Kershaw in loss to Rockies," 29 June 2019 The Creative Independent Held since: 2012 Thrown in a cavernous, near-150-year old reclaimed factory, Basilica's every note of drone, noise, industrial and otherwise experimental music seems to resonate forever. — Chris Payne, Billboard, "What Does It Mean to Be an Independent Festival in 2019?," 26 June 2019 When Busch finally pitted, Truex reclaimed the lead with 23 laps to go. — Greg Beacham, The Mercury News, "Truex wins Save Mart 350 for second straight year," 23 June 2019 When Busch finally pitted, Truex reclaimed the lead with 23 laps to go. — Greg Beacham, BostonGlobe.com, "Martin Truex Jr. holds off Kyle Busch to defend Sonoma title," 23 June 2019 Witten didn’t reclaim his corner locker next to the showers that All-Pro right guard Zack Martin had since inherited. — Jori Epstein, USA TODAY, "How Coach K's story about Kobe Bryant motivated Jason Witten in return to Cowboys," 21 June 2019 The 33-year-old, who has just 12 months remaining on his Clarets deal, impressed after reclaiming his first-team spot last season, earning a call-up to Gareth Southgate's England squad for the Nations League finals. — SI.com, "Tom Heaton Rejects New Burnley Contract as Bournemouth & Aston Villa Show Interest," 20 June 2019 Some feminists were critical of all imagery seen as objectifying women, while others thought such imagery could be reclaimed, that women could be represented sensually and those expressions could also be considered feminists acts. — Dvorameyers, Longreads, "The Gymnast’s Position," 5 June 2019

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.