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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
In a statement, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin claimed that an officer fired on Pretti while fearing for his life. Thomas Bordeaux, CNN Money, 25 Jan. 2026 The plaintiff dealerships claim the first rule does not apply to Scout because its hybrids don’t qualify as EVs and the second does not apply because Scout is really Volkswagen and Volkswagen has dealerships here. Justin Wingerter, Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
That statement alone refutes claims that IHRA is meant to silence debate. David Moore, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2026 Many disputing the administration's claim. ABC News, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for claim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for claim
Verb
  • Darnold insisted he's tried to treat this week the same as any other, even if the stakes of the game are the highest, a mantra Macdonald has also preached.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 25 Jan. 2026
  • The Kremlin insists that to reach a peace deal, Kyiv must withdraw its troops from the areas in the east that Russia illegally annexed but has not fully captured.
    CBS News, CBS News, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Before tens of thousands of protesters marched in Minneapolis on Friday to demand Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents leave Minnesota, they were mocked by the voice of the Minnesota Vikings.
    John Shipley, Twin Cities, 25 Jan. 2026
  • At the same time, foreign interest and investment were not much helped when, in 2007, Chávez sent the military to occupy the oil fields, demanding majority control be surrendered to PDVSA.
    Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • But the Red Sox destroyed and ended their relationship with their only true power hitter and proven winner for a player who, though an undeniably excellent addition, was here for 117 total games.
    Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026
  • In the Pacific Palisades and nearby Malibu, flames burned for 31 days, scorching 37 square miles and destroying more than 6,000 structures, most of them homes.
    Sarah Alegre, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
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
  • Members of Congress have for months been denied their lawful right to inspect detention facilities in Minnesota, New Jersey, Florida and California.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The underlying lawsuit, filed in December, alleges that federal officers violated the First and Fourth Amendment rights of six protesters.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • According to the report, internal Buss family disputes led to the majority stake of the franchise being sold to Mark Walter last year.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026
  • For travelers heading to Europe or more remote destinations, the financial stakes are even bigger.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Past recounts and court challenges have not backed up those assertions.
    Shaddi Abusaid, AJC.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • The Department of Homeland Security has argued that Haitians have other places to relocate, an assertion recently raised in federal court.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles on Monday denied Thompson's request to commute his death sentence to a lesser penalty.
    CBS News, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
  • Bondi and Blanche filed a response arguing that Massie and Khanna do not have a legal basis for the request.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 28 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Claim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/claim. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.

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