reclaim

Definition of reclaimnext
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

Synonym Chooser

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 The pullback found buyers and the stock reclaimed the 50-day, which is the right behavior. Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026 The Dodgers briefly reclaimed the lead in the sixth inning. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 19 Apr. 2026 This Audible original is for anyone who’s ever felt empty from giving too much and who’s ready to reclaim what’s theirs. Angelique Jackson, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026 Those keen on cottagecore will be happy with bathroom decor that utilizes reclaimed pine and its gorgeous grain patterns. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for reclaim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for reclaim
Verb
  • The Magic won Game 3 113-105 to regain the lead in the series.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • All eastbound lanes of Interstate 80 just before the Bay Bridge are closed as crews work around the clock to rehabilitate the roadway.
    Da Lin, CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026
  • And there was a TV movie where Dirk Bogarde played Dahl, many years ago, with Glenda Jackson as Patricia Neal, about Patricia Neal’s strokes and how Dahl rehabilitated her.
    Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 19 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • While the film industry loves nothing more than to recycle ideas until everything is twinning, surprisingly, there hasn't been a greater demand for movies centred around a space prison.
    Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Rather than sitting in landfills when a site is decommissioned, most of the materials used in solar panels can be recycled (though the process can be costly).
    Anna Clark, ProPublica, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In 2003, a western lowland gorilla broke out of his enclosure at Franklin Park Zoo, bolted into the streets of Boston and injured a 2-year-old girl before being recaptured.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Hopes to one day recapture some version of his glory days.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Rewards members can redeem the free pretzel deal, found in the Auntie Anne’s Rewards App in stores or online (at participating locations).
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Any gift certificates not redeemed by May 31 will be forfeited.
    Neal Riley, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • One agent was shot and is expected to recover.
    Bridget Byrne, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2026
  • The Wave have little time to recover from their mile-high win.
    Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Ideally, the data can be retrieved without a ransom payment, which, in the case of large organizations, might run into the millions.
    Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
  • Starting Monday, the thousands of residents displaced by the fire were returning to see what is left of their homes and retrieve their belongings.
    Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Reclaim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/reclaim. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.

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