Definition of claimnext
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claim

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noun

1
as in right
an entitlement to something I'm announcing my claim to that last slice of pizza

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in stake
a legal right to participation in the advantages, profits, and responsibility of something a shareholder has a claim in the business

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in request
something that someone insists upon having young children make great claims on their parents' time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb claim contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of claim are demand, exact, and require. While all these words mean "to ask or call for something as due or as necessary," claim implies a demand for the delivery or concession of something due as one's own or one's right.

claimed the right to manage his own affairs

In what contexts can demand take the place of claim?

The synonyms demand and claim are sometimes interchangeable, but demand implies peremptoriness and insistence and often the right to make requests that are to be regarded as commands.

demanded payment of the debt

When would exact be a good substitute for claim?

The words exact and claim are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exact implies not only demanding but getting what one demands.

exacts absolute loyalty

Where would require be a reasonable alternative to claim?

In some situations, the words require and claim are roughly equivalent. However, require suggests the imperativeness that arises from inner necessity, compulsion of law or regulation, or the exigencies of the situation.

the patient requires constant attention

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 claim
Verb
Genesis claims that this Wing Face Micro Lens Array is an industry first and required a special laser-engraving process to execute. Marco Della Cava, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2026 Depending on state policy, parents may be able to opt out of certain or all vaccines by claiming an exemption for medical, religious or philosophical reasons. Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
So, look under the hood of that claim, starting with what those three companies spend. Joseph M. Singer, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026 Prosecutors called rebuttal witnesses on Tuesday to debunk the defense's claims about Clancy's mental state. Melina Khan, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for claim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for claim
Verb
  • The secretary insisted he is focused on leading the War Department.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Alongside workers’ rights organization Arise Chicago and community organizing group Communities United, workers are now stepping forward to insist that the business give them their due — in full.
    Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Several cities and counties have demanded the removal of Flock cameras.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Trautwein, a two-time national champion at Florida, demands relentless work ethic and attention to detail.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Almost 50 homes and other structures have been destroyed so far; there have been several injuries, and one of Tibbetts’s neighbors lost 20 German shepherds.
    Anya Kamenetz, Curbed, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The flood then destroyed roads and knocked out power and phone networks, leaving families unable to establish even the most basic facts.
    Laura Saravia, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The cost of taking them in Liberia began rebuilding after a 14-year civil war ended in 2003, but Wesseh said the country still needs major investment.
    Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Aries March 21 – April 19 The deadline competing with a relationship promise may need an honest update.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Your story shows the importance of seeking partial custody or visitation rights as part of a divorce settlement.
    Abigail Van Buren, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The platform has also secured exclusive SVOD rights across the CEE territory, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Iceland, Cyprus, the Baltics, the CIS, Malta, Israel and Ukraine.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Despite reducing that stake, her net worth has still increased due to market appreciation.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Owning a stake in a profitable, growing business that provides a wanted product or service over the long term is preferable to owning paper currency, which is destined to lose purchasing power over time.
    Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The Clippers’ assertion came after ESPN reported two key points regarding the NBA’s ongoing investigation into how Kawhi Leonard was compensated during his tenure with the team.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Culture Minister Isaac Tchiakpé rejected RSF’s assertion that the filmmakers had received authorization from his ministry to carry out the documentary shoot.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The event’s organizers did not respond to The Associated Press' interview requests.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Hoffenberg, a Democrat, is running for a Cook County Board seat against Republican Liz Gorman, who filed FOIA requests for the video footage.
    Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Claim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/claim. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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