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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of usurp
Vintage fiberglass end chairs and a pair of cushy benches usurped the traditional dining set.
—
Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2026
Allowing the programs to lapse further would create unintended—and unwelcome—opportunities for foreign adversaries, which could usurp America’s influence in both regions, Murphy wrote.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 12 Jan. 2026
McCall’s banner also appears to cleverly usurp and subvert the aesthetics of European heraldry—indeed, its elegant design would look utterly correct on a beret, a medal, or a heater shield.
—Alex Jovanovich, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
But, in the United States, its role was usurped by Noah Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language, which made its début in 1828.
—Louis Menand, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for usurp
Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2026
Allowing the programs to lapse further would create unintended—and unwelcome—opportunities for foreign adversaries, which could usurp America’s influence in both regions, Murphy wrote.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 12 Jan. 2026
McCall’s banner also appears to cleverly usurp and subvert the aesthetics of European heraldry—indeed, its elegant design would look utterly correct on a beret, a medal, or a heater shield.
—Alex Jovanovich, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2026
But, in the United States, its role was usurped by Noah Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language, which made its début in 1828.
—Louis Menand, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for usurp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for usurp
Verb
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The Revolutionary Guard holds vast business interest across Iran, and sanctions could allow its assets in Europe to be seized.—
SAM McNEIL AND JON GAMBRELL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
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Gabbard was photographed in Fulton County on the day of the raid as the FBI seized 2020 election ballots.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The next day, authorities confiscated more than 50,000 vapes and displayed them in Mexico City’s central square.—
María Verza,
Fortune,
31 Jan. 2026
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Now the city wants more tools to expand its limited enforcement options, which would start with warnings, then fines and may include confiscating food, equipment and carts found in violation of city ordinance and health codes.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Around 2015, upstarts like Chobani or BodyArmor began stealing market share from legacy brands.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
31 Jan. 2026
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Another alleged member of the Latin Kings was charged in federal court in the District of Minnesota this month with being a felon in possession of a firearm and theft of government property after breaking into an FBI vehicle and stealing a rifle.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The bottom-line mandate for the Bruins on Monday night was to grab two points against the worst team in the Eastern Conference.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
27 Jan. 2026
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On January 13, in a win over the Chicago Bulls, Davison played 24 minutes, scoring 9 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and dishing out 4 assists.—
Rahat Huq,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The restaurant has occupied the space for decades, sits steps from the ski lifts in Vail Village, and is a local favorite for skiers, tourists and locals alike.—
Spencer Wilson,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Bonhams occupies what’s defined as the mid-range market, mostly offering lots priced between $50,000 to $1 million, while the top three — Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Phillips — court sellers and buyers at the vertiginous top end.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Trump has recently appeared onstage with MAGA convert Nicki Minaj, and remade the Kennedy Center in his own name, atypically hosting its annual gala feting Kiss, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor and Michael Crawford.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Jan. 2026
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And similar to last year, one of the focuses will be on revitalizing and converting older buildings into modern office spaces, apartments and hotels.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Usurp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usurp. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.
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