reclaim
9 synonyms for reclaim, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To get something back that was lost, taken, or given up.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use reclaim
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
reclaim land
reclaim your identity
reclaimed wood
Etymology
From Old French reclamer, from Latin reclamare, "to cry out against, protest" — the sense shifted over time from "call back" to today's "get back" or "restore."
Full origin of reclaim →Frequently asked questions
What does “reclaim” mean?
The word “reclaim” means to get something back that was lost, taken, or given up. In plain terms, to take back or restore something — a possession, a piece of land, or a word.
How do you pronounce “reclaim”?
“Reclaim” is pronounced rih-KLAYM (/ɹɪˈkleɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “reclaim” in a sentence?
Here is “reclaim” used in a sentence: “She reclaimed her maiden name after the divorce.”
What part of speech is “reclaim”?
“Reclaim” is a verb.
Where does the word “reclaim” come from?
The word “reclaim” comes from Latin. From Old French reclamer, from Latin reclamare, "to cry out against, protest" — the sense shifted over time from "call back" to today's "get back" or "restore.".
Is “reclaim” a common word?
“Reclaim” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “reclaim” have?
“Reclaim” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to get something back that was lost, taken, or given up.
