Thesaurus results for USURP

usurp

verb

yu̇-ˈsərp

Definition of usurp

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

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 usurp However, the German has — 12 years after claiming the record from the Brazilian Ronaldo with his 16th World Cup goal — been usurped by Messi and, like so many before him, will have to settle for playing second fiddle to the 38-year-old Argentinian. — Will Jeanes, New York Times, 22 June 2026 Don’t name somebody directly because that usurps their free will. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026 The ‌Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in March upheld a complaint by Ukraine that Russia’s chess federation had usurped control of the game in areas of Ukraine captured by the Russian military. — CNN Money, 12 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 See All Example Sentences for usurp

Recent Examples of Synonyms for usurp

Verb

Now protesters are using that same platform to mock his administration, ridicule pro-government television news coverage, transform confrontation with police into viral content and seize control of the online narrative.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
Investigators also seized boxes that had been resealed and were ready to ship, packages containing modeling clay instead of fragrance products, additional modeling clay, a heat gun, glue and packaging materials, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

— Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026

Definition of seize

Verb

Two days after she was reported missing, Rivas Hernandez returned home and her parents confiscated her phone.

— Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 25 July 2026
Prosecutors allege Burke later bought Rivas a secret phone and paid a classmate $1,000 to deliver it after her parents confiscated her previous device.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026

Definition of confiscate

Verb

And catcher Carter Jensen threw out James Outman, who was attempting to steal second in the fifth.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
Two of the biggest tech giants are locked in a head-to-head legal battle, with Apple claiming OpenAI stole trade secrets as the AI start-up plans its first hardware devices.

— Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 23 July 2026

Definition of steal

Verb

Paredes was quickly on the scene, grabbing Garcia briefly by the throat and shoving him to the floor.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 20 July 2026
If relaxing is more your speed, grab a glass of Chablis, settle into an Adirondack chair with a good book, and watch the sunlight dance across the lily pads.

— Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 20 July 2026

Definition of grab

Verb

Two inspectors were escorted into The Club one night last year by homeowners who had targeted Airbnbs occupied by guests.

— Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
According to Zirpolo, the barn-like structure housed a produce market more than 10 years ago, before Wood Creations Boutique occupied the space.

— Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 25 July 2026

Definition of occupy

Verb

At 18, accounts can convert to a Roth IRA, allowing tax-free growth and withdrawals for qualified uses like higher education or a first home.

— Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
The rest are retrofits like my local theater — ordinary multiplex auditoriums Imax began converting in the mid-aughts, giving them somewhat bigger screens, upgraded sound, and hefty surcharges.

— Lane Brown, Vulture, 25 July 2026

Definition of convert

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usuals

usurp

usurpation

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“Usurp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usurp. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of usurp

verb

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