annexation

noun

an·​nex·​a·​tion ˌa-ˌnek-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce annexation (audio)
plural annexations
Synonyms of annexationnext
1
: the act of annexing something or the state of being annexed : the addition of an area or region to a country, state, etc.
The Senate rejected the Hawaiian reciprocity treaty, the purchase of the Virgin Islands from Denmark, the annexation of Santo Domingo and the annexation of Samoa.Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.
In the early part of the 20th century, Chinese writers generally dated the annexation of Tibet to the 18th century.Elliot Sperling
2
: something that is annexed
… defended their annexations with fire and sword.George Bernard Shaw
annexational adjective
annexationist noun

Examples of annexation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The council will consider the project’s zoning, rear yard coverage and annexation requests at a future meeting. Marie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026 The board approved first reading of the annexation along with a preliminary development plan and a conditional use permit to allow triplex buildings at its Tuesday night meeting. Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2026 The land is near Parker's Pradera neighborhood and the Crowsnest properties currently seeking annexation into Castle Pines. Olivia Young, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026 The Village Farms Development Team recently formed a political committee to advocate for Measure V, an annexation vote required under Davis’s Measure J-R-D growth-control ordinance, will appear on the city’s June 2 ballot. Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for annexation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of annexation was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Annexation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/annexation. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on annexation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster