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

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
DeSantis claims the state’s population growth means those maps need to be redone in a rare mid-decade move, but there is plenty of opposition. Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026 Here’s how to claim your prize Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Staff Reports, The Providence Journal, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
Some claims have been dismissed or settled out of court, while others are ongoing. Michael Kaplan, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026 Some people would keep their claims as novelties, some as investments. Antony Davies, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for claim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for claim
Verb
  • Yet to a man, those who endured last season and remained insist this has been better, even as the standings tell an all-too-familiar story.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Israeli forces have continued strikes on Hezbollah as Iran insists a broader ceasefire includes an end to Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
    Dalia Abdelwahab, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • She’s taken to social media, demanding answers alongside thousands of other West Virginians, including those who have been posting screenshots of their monthly charges.
    Margie Mason, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Analysts say the measures reflect political pressure from small-scale miners, who have staged protests to demand looser regulations, complicating efforts to tighten enforcement.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Similarly, corruption or physical damage might destroy a file’s header, which contains its identifying metadata, while leaving other parts of it untouched.
    Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The Jeep crashed into a concrete barrier after clipping the other car, destroying part of the barrier, Adams County Fire Rescue officials said.
    Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The 28-year-old is experienced and versatile, capable of playing as a right-back when needed, which could prove useful for Wiegman, though the pecking order remains crowded.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Talk with family or housemates about what needs to happen next, then write it down so expectations are clear.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • While the Queen was deeply involved in breeding and racing, Anne became an accomplished equestrian in her own right, even competing in the Olympic Games in 1976.
    Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Leah Williamson England’s captain will always start if fit, although given the solid performances of Wubben-Moy and others, England can more easily absorb an injury at centre-back than at right-back or in midfield.
    Megan Feringa, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This time, there is far more at stake.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Lyft is acutely aware of the cultural stakes.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But that document raised serious questions about recent assertions made by the city in a related lawsuit.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
  • But Araghchi reposted Ghalibaf’s statement on X and defended the assertion that Iran is united.
    Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • His extradition was approved by Venezuela’s Supreme Court in March, with conditions that he be tried only for the crimes specified in the request and that his legal rights be respected.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026
  • While these claims are redacted on the CCRB’s website, they’re given over to anyone who files a FOIL request.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Claim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/claim. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.

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