EXPROPRIATE Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

expropriate

verb

ek-ˈsprō-prē-ˌāt

Definition of expropriate

as in to seize

to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right dissidents were shot, and their lands expropriated under his regime

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to evict

to end the occupancy or possession of the state will have to expropriate scores of homeowners in order to build the new road

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to confiscate

to take ownership or control of (something) by right of one's authority plans by the city to expropriate entire blocks of houses in order to bulldoze them for expansion of the airport

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 expropriate Farmland and forests owned jointly by a village or a clan were likewise expropriated by the Japanese since no single individual could claim them. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Mar. 2026 Bozell also called for changing a land law that allows the South African government to expropriate land without compensation in some circumstances. — Arkansas Online, 12 Mar. 2026 Bozell also called for changing a land law that allows the South African government to expropriate land without compensation in some circumstances. — Michelle Gumede, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026 Much of that early ’Lo gear was boosted from department stores across the New York tristate Area, and ‘Lo Heads ran the risk of their own spoils being expropriated back home. — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expropriate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expropriate

Verb

Arthur Kaluma seized his Summer League moment in Las Vegas, scoring 34 points in the Lakers’ 91-70 win over the Dallas Mavericks.

— Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026
And some have responded by seizing the female obsession with looks, already rooted in misogyny, and rebranding it with maximum toxicity—in other words, by becoming looksmaxxers.

— Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 11 July 2026

Definition of seize

Verb

In June, SouthPark Mall Limited Partnership filed to evict Aroma360 NC Sp LLC, a luxury scenting and retail store at SouthPark Mall at 4400 Sharon Road.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026
The number of weekly episodes was cut down from six to three, and the power to evict was placed in the hands of the houseguests, as opposed to a public vote.

— Rachel DeSantis, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026

Definition of evict

Verb

The agent confiscated the letter, carried by Cuban businessman Roberto Carlos Chamizo, and sent him back to Havana.

— Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Drone operators who violate the temporary flight restrictions could face fines of up to $100,000, have their equipment confiscated, and potentially face criminal charges, the FBI said.

— Dan Raby, CBS News, 30 June 2026

Definition of confiscate

Verb

The update indicated that Maersk is set to fall behind CMA CGM for second-largest container shipping capacity worldwide by July 2027, while Hapag-Lloyd could be usurped by Ocean Network Express (ONE) in February 2028.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 6 July 2026
Beulah's spurned heir Joaquin (Juan Pablo Raba) calls up the mysterious Mariana (Raoul Max Trujillo) to help with his many problems, which include his ranch-usurping half-brother Rob-Will and those Duttons from Montana.

— Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 3 July 2026

Definition of usurp

Verb

Police arrested more than 400 people after a melee in which businesses were smashed and goods stolen, and fireworks were dispatched in crowds.

— Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
However, when her island's resources are threatened, Moana embraces her ancestors' voyaging heritage and heads out to sea to find Maui, deliver the heart of Te Fiti (which Maui stole back in the day) and save her people.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 July 2026

Definition of steal

Verb

On two occasions, a Spanish player remained on the floor after being strongly dispossessed, with Uruguay fashioning chances for Nunez, reintroduced to the starting line-up as Bielsa’s only change after the Cape Verde draw.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 28 June 2026
He was tackled and dispossessed with the ball on a trajectory to the goal.

— Monica Alba, NBC news, 24 June 2026

Definition of dispossess

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expressways

expropriate

expropriated

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“Expropriate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expropriate. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of expropriate

verb

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