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
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Approved on Tuesday was the annexation of the land into Yorkville that will one day hold the Project Cardinal data centers, a rezoning of the area to a general manufacturing zoning district and utility, infrastructure and development agreements between the city and Pioneer Development. Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026 Mansfield Mayor Jodie Perry announced that a petition for annexation has been filed with local governments, including Madison and Mifflin townships, to move the project forward. Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Mar. 2026 The term, still in circulation, comes from the long aftertaste of Great Britain’s annexation of the Boer republics and the two South African Wars. Jan Steyn, The Dial, 10 Mar. 2026 Lacy Bradley, a 3-year resident who has been helping spearhead opposition to the annexation, said Castle Pines is a low-density community with an emphasis on the peace and quiet that comes with plentiful open space. John Aguilar, Denver Post, 9 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Annexation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/annexation. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

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