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
The two are separate, Bourne writes, even if, in war, the state tries to usurp the country and speak for it.
—
Gal Beckerman,
The Atlantic,
8 June 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for usurp
Gal Beckerman,
The Atlantic,
8 June 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for usurp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for usurp
Verb
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The party has focused on driving down consumer costs, seizing on what polling shows is deep dissatisfaction about the economy and worries about affordability.
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Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who voted against the proposal in mid-June, voiced fears that the list of noncitizen voters would immediately be seized by federal immigration authorities.
Verb
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The agent confiscated the letter, carried by Cuban businessman Roberto Carlos Chamizo, and sent him back to Havana.
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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.
Verb
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Zach Neto walked to begin the inning but got picked off at first base attempting to steal second.
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Yamal is most likely your favorite player’s favorite player to watch, to steal a somewhat corny adage.
Verb
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Video of the incident showed the professor grabbing and twisting the arm of the pro-Palestinian student.
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As police tried to handcuff Sever, the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office said Sever swung at troopers and forcefully grabbed at a trooper's duty weapon, which was secured in a holster.
Verb
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There is a wide open space for Democrats to occupy that territory.
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Beneath those practical debates, however, American lawyers have gradually come to understand themselves as occupying two roles simultaneously, as Robert Gordon described.
Verb
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There are nods to the environmental devastation wrought by the cattle industry that dominated Southern California in the first half of the 19th century, as well as the Faustian bargain struck by Indigenous people who converted to Catholicism.
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Mark Ford Rosemary Tonks emulated French Symbolist poets before converting to Christianity and renouncing all her own works.
Cite this Entry
“Usurp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usurp. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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