reclaim

1
as in to regain
to get again in one's possession she reclaimed the championship title after losing it last year

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to rehabilitate
to make better in behavior or character a program to reclaim juvenile offenders by requiring them to do community service

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to recycle
to obtain (a raw material) by separating it from a by-product or waste product after reclaiming the glycerin from used vegetable oil, you can use the oil to create a fuel that burns cleaner than regular gasoline

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb reclaim contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of reclaim are deliver, ransom, redeem, rescue, and save. While all these words mean "to set free from confinement or danger," reclaim suggests a bringing back to a former state or condition of someone or something abandoned or debased.

reclaimed long-abandoned farms

Where would deliver be a reasonable alternative to reclaim?

While the synonyms deliver and reclaim are close in meaning, deliver implies release usually of a person from confinement, temptation, slavery, or suffering.

delivered his people from bondage

When could ransom be used to replace reclaim?

The words ransom and reclaim can be used in similar contexts, but ransom specifically applies to buying out of captivity.

tried to ransom the kidnap victim

When is it sensible to use redeem instead of reclaim?

The meanings of redeem and reclaim largely overlap; however, redeem implies releasing from bondage or penalties by giving what is demanded or necessary.

job training designed to redeem school dropouts from chronic unemployment

In what contexts can rescue take the place of reclaim?

Although the words rescue and reclaim have much in common, rescue implies freeing from imminent danger by prompt or vigorous action.

rescued the crew of a sinking ship

When can save be used instead of reclaim?

While in some cases nearly identical to reclaim, 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

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 reclaim There were some folks back in 2005 who were able to leave New Orleans, reclaim their lives, come back, and live their lives because of privilege. Essence, 5 Sep. 2025 Some guys are finding solace in extreme physical activity with expletive-laden barking from a drill sergeant to reclaim their manhood. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025 Based on remarkable true events, Christy is a story of resilience, courage, and the fight to reclaim one’s life. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025 Once coding agents make app-building trivial, a restaurant chain might reclaim its digital experience from third-party vendors overnight. Leslie Lee, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reclaim
Verb
  • Turn into the skid - Turning into the skid can help the vehicle's tires realign to regain control.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Fogerty’s battles in and out of court over the years to try to regain control of his music were a frequent topic of the speeches during the event, not least of all his own.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Lest one forget regulatory tailwinds; the European Union Nature Restoration Law obliges EU member states to rehabilitate 20 percent of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
    Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The true cost of a city destroyed and then saturated by munitions might not be measured in the number of shells fired, dollars spent to rehabilitate, or even lives.
    Michael Jerome Plunkett September 5, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The exhibition highlights the beauty of recycling ordinary materials.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Reducing waste Oklo and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) are considering a partnership where Oklo would recycle TVA’s used nuclear fuel.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The team will be heading to Mexico, Canada and the United States to try and recapture the form and fervour of 2024, when James galvanised a nation, taking the squad to the World Cup quarter-finals.
    Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Advertisement The capture in Goa Given his previous experience with the criminal, Zende was assigned to lead the operation to recapture him.
    Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • When redeeming the free cone at any Graeter's location, customers can make a donation directly to The Cure Starts Now.
    Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Click here and redeem your preferred reward by betting on one of tonight's MLB games or an upcoming Week 1 NFL matchup.
    Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • An officer, named as Officer A in the latest release, was injured in the shootout and is currently recovering in the hospital.
    Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The rally ended with Nick Bosa pushing Seattle offensive tackle Abe Lucas into Darnold, forcing a fumble, which Bosa recovered.
    Mike Sando, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Again, with an inside-out forehand that had Osaka down on one knee trying to retrieve it.
    Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
  • In an effort to help the group retrieve it, Guy encounters William Fitchner’s Jasper, a mysterious American who has quietly assumed control and influence over the Talamasca’s London Motherhouse.
    Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Reclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reclaim. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

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