verb

claimed

klaymd

Claimed (verb) means past tense and past participle of claim: stated something as true without providing proof, especially something others doubt. Example: “He claimed he had never seen the email.”

verb

Past tense and past participle of claim: stated something as true without providing proof, especially something others doubt.

"He claimed he had never seen the email."

"The company claimed its figures were independently audited."

chiefly journalism Of a disaster, illness or accident: caused the death of.

"The flooding claimed eleven lives."

adjective

Formally taken or asserted as one's own or one's right — of property, prizes, benefits or territory.

"Unclaimed baggage is held for ninety days; claimed items are released the same day."

"She claimed the reward within an hour of the announcement."

How to use claimed

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSaid something was true, or took something that was yours to take.

When to use it

Neutral, but in reported speech claimed carries a note of scepticism that said does not.

Memory tip

Claim to takes a verb (claimed to know him); claim that takes a clause (claimed that he knew him). Both are correct; mixing them is not.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

alleged → stated → asserted → reclaimed →

Common pairings

claimed responsibility claimed the title claimed to be she claimed that

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Test yourself on “claimed” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He _____ he had never seen the email.

Etymology

From Old French clamer 'to call, cry out', from Latin clamare 'to shout'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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asserted alleged maintained contended taken reserved spoken for

Antonyms

unclaimed abandoned

Related words

bad taken available total married supposed evil engaged

Rhymes for claimed

timed aimed maimed primed acclaimed unclaimed reclaimed

See all rhymes for claimed →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between claimed and alleged?

Claimed reports what a person actually said, whoever they are. Alleged is narrower and more legal, usually attaching to an accusation against someone that has not been proved. A defendant claimed he was elsewhere; the alleged offence took place at noon.

Does saying someone claimed something imply they are lying?

It implies doubt rather than lying. Journalists use claimed to attribute a statement while signalling that it is unverified, which is why saying said is more neutral and claimed can feel loaded.

Is claimed used for winning things?

Yes, especially in sports writing — a team claimed the title, a runner claimed second place. Here it carries no doubt at all and simply means took or won.

What is the meaning of claimed?

"claimed" (verb) means past tense and past participle of claim: stated something as true without providing proof, especially something others doubt.

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