claim 1 of 2

Definition of claimnext
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claim

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noun

1
as in right
an entitlement to something I'm announcing my claim to that last slice of pizza

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in stake
a legal right to participation in the advantages, profits, and responsibility of something a shareholder has a claim in the business

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in request
something that someone insists upon having young children make great claims on their parents' time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb claim contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of claim are demand, exact, and require. While all these words mean "to ask or call for something as due or as necessary," claim implies a demand for the delivery or concession of something due as one's own or one's right.

claimed the right to manage his own affairs

In what contexts can demand take the place of claim?

The synonyms demand and claim are sometimes interchangeable, but demand implies peremptoriness and insistence and often the right to make requests that are to be regarded as commands.

demanded payment of the debt

When would exact be a good substitute for claim?

The words exact and claim are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exact implies not only demanding but getting what one demands.

exacts absolute loyalty

Where would require be a reasonable alternative to claim?

In some situations, the words require and claim are roughly equivalent. However, require suggests the imperativeness that arises from inner necessity, compulsion of law or regulation, or the exigencies of the situation.

the patient requires constant attention

How does the verb claim contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of claim are demand, exact, and require. While all these words mean "to ask or call for something as due or as necessary," claim implies a demand for the delivery or concession of something due as one's own or one's right.

claimed the right to manage his own affairs

In what contexts can demand take the place of claim?

The synonyms demand and claim are sometimes interchangeable, but demand implies peremptoriness and insistence and often the right to make requests that are to be regarded as commands.

demanded payment of the debt

When would exact be a good substitute for claim?

The words exact and claim are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, exact implies not only demanding but getting what one demands.

exacts absolute loyalty

Where would require be a reasonable alternative to claim?

In some situations, the words require and claim are roughly equivalent. However, require suggests the imperativeness that arises from inner necessity, compulsion of law or regulation, or the exigencies of the situation.

the patient requires constant attention

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 claim
Verb
Scammers call older people, falsely claiming the victim’s bank account, Social Security number or other personal information has been compromised, Sorrells said. Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026 Argentine President Javier Milei has launched a new effort to claim control of the Falkland Islands, reigniting a long-standing dispute with the United Kingdom over the archipelago, which once led to war. Rebecca Schneid, Time, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
Equally inaccurate is the claim that this would take away TABOR refunds forever. Kevin Vick, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2026 These questions were raised after reporting by The New York Times in August 2024 regarding Moore’s untruthful claims about receiving the Bronze Star in Afghanistan — a story originally reported on in 2022 by FOX45’s Mikenzie Frost. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for claim
Recent Examples of Synonyms for claim
Verb
  • This has inevitably led to some conflicts; Hollywood actors tend to insist on their own way of doing things on set, Yang said.
    Chang Che, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The Cuban government initially insisted that no deadline was offered and the talks were nothing but respectful.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • That’s why Secret Service, that’s why the military are demanding it.
    Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
  • These compounding goofs demand accountability and a sober reassessment of the competence of American leadership.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Thankfully, the Dark Sky movement is growing as more people become aware of the issue and learn about simple and cost-effective ways that can be embraced to reverse the course of destroying our night skies.
    Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Radioactive clouds spread, causing panic as far away as Germany and Britain; millions of litres of milk were dumped; livestock was destroyed or banned from sale.
    The Week UK, TheWeek, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Step back, decide what needs to be said, and deliver it once with clarity and control.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The Stars need more of that mindset at five-on-five.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • That element may now get its wish as soon as our upcoming June primary, effectively prioritizing the narrow ideology of a few hundred party loyalists over the fundamental voting rights of hundreds of thousands of independent citizens.
    Kent Thiry, Denver Post, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The right to mock, to challenge, and yes, to offend those in power, is foundational to democracy.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This time, there is far more at stake.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • Lyft is acutely aware of the cultural stakes.
    Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The sites mix factual assertions about their targets with unsubstantiated conspiracies and defamatory claims of misconduct ranging from extortion and embezzlement to drug dealing and prostitution.
    Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026
  • For music business observers, the most interesting aspect of the suit may lie in its detailed assertions about how much the Christian music (CCM) touring industry relies on alliances with charities to achieve a profit.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • In February, opponents packed the City Hall chambers ahead of a planned Historic Preservation Board meeting, which was ultimately deferred at the Fontainebleau’s request after one of the board members didn’t show up.
    Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Virginia’s Democratic attorney general, Jay Jones, urged the state Supreme Court to pause the lower court’s order and allow certification of the election to resume, a request the commonwealth’s high court denied on Tuesday.
    Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 28 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Claim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/claim. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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