as in to seize
to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right
the mayor usurped the school board's authority when he fired the principal
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of usurp
Many in the scientific research community disagree, characterizing the changes as the White House attempting to usurp autonomy from scientists and career civil servants.
—
Allison Deangelis,
STAT,
1 June 2026
The opposition’s narrative that Hollywood is usurping home rule is entirely backward.
—
Keith Poliakoff,
Sun Sentinel,
1 June 2026
Though its glam environs were eventually usurped by Hawaii’s many newer luxury resorts, an extensive renovation in 2008 gave the Mauna Kea an update without sacrificing its throwback charm.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 May 2026
In a sane world, Congress would put a stop to it and reassert its own power to regulate import duties; unfortunately, this particular GOP Congress seems content enough to be a lapdog watching Trump usurp them and damage the economy and our international standing.
—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for usurp
Allison Deangelis,
STAT,
1 June 2026
The opposition’s narrative that Hollywood is usurping home rule is entirely backward.
—
Keith Poliakoff,
Sun Sentinel,
1 June 2026
Though its glam environs were eventually usurped by Hawaii’s many newer luxury resorts, an extensive renovation in 2008 gave the Mauna Kea an update without sacrificing its throwback charm.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 May 2026
In a sane world, Congress would put a stop to it and reassert its own power to regulate import duties; unfortunately, this particular GOP Congress seems content enough to be a lapdog watching Trump usurp them and damage the economy and our international standing.
—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for usurp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for usurp
Verb
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Hilton, running on a platform of affordability and lowering taxes, has seized on the sentiment, casting health coverage for immigrants without legal status as deeply unfair and a direct threat to the state’s ability to help citizens.
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So far this year, 17 tons of illicit drugs, mostly cocaine, have been seized in the Pacific region – more than three times the total across the whole of last year, according to the Australian Federal Police.
Verb
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In Dallas, the FBI recently announced agents confiscated four drones that allegedly violated Temporary Flight Restrictions over AT&T Stadium and the city's FIFA Fan Festival.
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Amid anecdotal reports that airport security services have been confiscating bottles of ranch dressing that sports tourists have tried to smuggle out of the country, Kraft Heinz came up with a TSA-friendly size of ranch dressing.
Verb
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The News, The Times and affiliated outlets in Tribune Publishing and MediaNews Group, along with other outlets, are suing OpenAI for allegedly stealing the work of journalists.
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In the video, the man and woman can be seen alleging the family stole their money and emphasizing they aren't wanted in the community.
Verb
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There is an art to cutting a cantaloupe, which starts long before grabbing the knife and cutting board.
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Schmidt can be forgiven for making this headline-grabbing prediction.
Verb
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The cabana frame was lifted by strong winds before crashing into an area occupied by guests near the resort's pool deck.
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Law enforcement also linked Sanchez-Munoz to a June 11 shooting in which a vehicle occupied by an adult and a child was hit by gunfire in the area of Seventh Street and Metropolitan Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas.
Verb
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Norway’s Jørgen Strand Larsen couldn’t convert a penalty kick after a very slow and hesitant run-up.
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When families contribute the $5,000 maximum per year allowed (which will increase in 2008 because of inflation adjustment), the value of the account could easily exceed $3 million by age 59 1/2 if the account is converted to a Roth IRA after the beneficiary reaches age 24.
Cite this Entry
“Usurp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usurp. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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