CLAIM Synonyms: 207 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

claim 1 of 2

verb

ˈklām

Definition of claim

as in to insist

to state as a fact usually forcefully people who claim that they have been kidnapped by aliens from other worlds

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to demand

to ask for (something) earnestly or with authority after many years had passed, he suddenly appeared to claim his inheritance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to destroy

to deprive of life cancer claims hundreds of thousands of Americans each year

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to need

to have as a requirement caring for her three small children claims virtually all of her time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

claim

2 of 2

noun

as in right

an entitlement to something I'm announcing my claim to that last slice of pizza

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

as in assertion

a solemn and often public declaration of the truth or existence of something Galileo's claim that the moon has a very irregular surface and thus is not the perfect sphere that the ancients had imagined

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

One method of raising monthly bill prices above advertised rates is to tack on fees that, ISPs claim, are used to offset charges imposed by local governments. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 6 July 2026 Particle 6 claims Misaligned‘s production will see traditional professionals such as directors, writers and editors working alongside AI specialists. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 6 July 2026

Noun

The agreement affects around 530 individuals who have filed abuse claims against current or former members of the city's Catholic clergy. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 30 June 2026 And this settlement and this taxpayer privacy lawsuit and the release of claims are part of a broader story of the breaking down of guardrails designed to prevent politicization of federal tax administration. — Tax Notes Staff, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for claim

Recent Examples of Synonyms for claim

Verb

Rodríguez rejected those accusations, insisting authorities mobilized immediately.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Even with some international teams packing up to go home, Rodríguez late Thursday insisted that the government was not winding down rescue efforts.

— Regina Garcia Cano, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026

Definition of insist

Verb

The most common type of dementia, which destroys memory and cognitive function, was responsible for 116,022 deaths in 2024, NCHS data shows.

— Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
That book is a revenge fantasy about the former art school professor who seduced her, discarded her and destroyed her confidence as a painter.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 2 July 2026

Definition of destroy

Verb

If Washington intends to withdraw forces, assets or capabilities, allies need a roadmap and a timeline.

— Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Schjelderup, who assisted the second goal, too, jumped onto Haaland’s back again and pointed down at him, as if anyone in MetLife Stadium that day, or anyone watching at home, needed to know where to direct their attention.

— Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 July 2026

Definition of need

Noun

The sheen is light as a feather, blends like a dream, and at SPF 50, is a serious sunscreen in its own right.

— Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
On the surface, the Supreme Court’s June 30 opinion upholding state laws barring transgender girls from women’s and girl’s sports teams looks like a victory for women’s rights.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of right

Noun

OpenAI has reportedly floated an offer to give the federal government a 5 percent ownership stake in the company.

— James Broughel, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
The Coast Guard emphasized the high-stakes rescue serves as a powerful reminder of why its crews train constantly and remain ready to respond at any hour of the day or night.

— Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of stake

Noun

Ukraine rejects that assertion and Zelenskyy urged Putin last month to hold a one-on-one meeting with him, but the Kremlin leader refused.

— Reuters, NBC news, 5 July 2026
Four fisher people from Indonesia’s Pari Island filed a legal complaint in 2023 against the Swiss construction company Holcim, which refutes their assertion that its climate change-causing emissions threaten their homes and livelihoods.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026

Definition of assertion

Noun

The Interior Department did not immediately respond to ABC News’ request when asked on Friday if the panels will be replaced by the July 4 holiday this weekend.

— Deena Zaru, ABC News, 3 July 2026
This change was implemented at the request of the state's board of education.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of request

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clads

claim

claimant

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“Claim.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/claim. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of claim

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noun

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