RECLAIM Synonyms: 48 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

reclaim

verb

ri-ˈklām

Definition of reclaim next

as in to regain

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Examples 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 former and near-future Oval Office occupant has mused about buying Greenland, making Canada the 51st state, reclaiming the Panama Canal and renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. —

Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 19 Jan. 2025 The Kings reclaimed the lead on a 3-pointer by DeRozan. —

Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 17 Jan. 2025 The words are nowhere to be found on the presidential seal of office that Donald Trump will reclaim next Monday afternoon. —

Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Jan. 2025 President-elect Donald J. Trump’s suggestion on Tuesday that the United States might reclaim the Panama Canal — potentially by force — unsettled Panamanians, who used to live with the presence of the U.S. military in the canal zone and were invaded by American forces once before. —

Annie Correal, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for reclaim

Recent Examples of Synonyms for reclaim

Verb

For a small fee, Rasa’s screening tool provides clarity, and for as little as $250 per case, eligible clients can regain control of their future.

— Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2025
While the Bills’ defense managed to hold Kansas City to a Harrison Butker 35-yard field goal, the Chiefs regained a 32-29 lead with 3:33 remaining.

— Kevin Dotson, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025