claim 1 of 2

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
Here's a look at where all the big winning tickets worth $100,000 or more won or claimed last month were sold. Tanya Wildt, Freep.com, 10 Jan. 2026 Dixon claims that Reid continues to stymie her career. Victoria Bekiempis, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
Cruz argued Carlson didn’t challenge Fuentes enough on his antisemitic claims. David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 8 Nov. 2025 As for Fair Havens specifically, multiple workers said they weren’t initially told which residents had COVID-19, or given the proper PPE (a claim Fair Havens disputes). Kevin G. Hall, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for claim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for claim
Verb
  • Schnapp also spoke to PEOPLE about the series ending, insisting that all loose ends had been tied — even his character’s longstanding crush on his best friend Mike (Wolfhard).
    Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Trump highlighted the fight over health coverage, reiterating his opposition to extending those subsidies and insisting to his party’s lawmakers that his stance would be embraced by voters.
    Alicia Diaz, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Once inside, the hackers encrypted KNP’s data and locked its internal systems before demanding a ransom.
    Charlotte Reck, CNN Money, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Yes, potential excuses exist, such as the Tigers’ switch to Daniels, a senior Stanford transfer whose tremendous performance (353 yards passing and two touchdowns, 89 yards rushing and two touchdowns) demands the question of why Freeze didn’t turn the offense over to him weeks ago.
    Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • So, automation can be used to destroy labor or workers’ power, but it can also be used in the opposite direction.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Nov. 2025
  • Homes, businesses and synagogues were destroyed.
    Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Even if the House succeeded in impeaching a judge, the Senate would need to affirm that decision by a two-thirds majority vote.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui and Chris Williams planned to assist Fincke and Cardman in suiting up and preparing the tools and equipment that would be needed outside the space station.
    William Harwood, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The Honda moves forward, turning to the right.
    Devon Lum, Twin Cities, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Costco would add one right-in/right-out turn on Idaho 55, another on Hill Road, and a new roundabout on Hill Road, the traffic analysis said.
    Rose Evans January 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The memorandum of agreement for the ECHL’s new deal, obtained by The Athletic, highlights just how relatively small the financial stakes were.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Global, which calls itself the UK and Europe’s largest radio company and is behind the popular News Agents podcast, has taken a majority stake in The Overlap and the new outfit will be co-chaired by Neville and Global Group CEO Simon Pitts, with Scott Melvin as lead Executive Director.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 6 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Scharf repeated his past assertions that the planning commission doesn't usually have jurisdiction over site work and demolition on any project, including those at the White House.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Also, Kaishian said, the video and report don’t back up earlier assertions by police that Emile pointed the gun at a rival, or at the cops.
    John Annese, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Joseph has six different head-coaching interview requests as of Friday afternoon.
    Luca Evans, Denver Post, 10 Jan. 2026
  • However, the agency’s Office of Professional Responsibility can review a government device upon request.
    Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Claim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/claim. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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