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appropriation

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noun ap·pro·pri·a·tion \ ə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən \

Definition of appropriation

1 :an act or instance of appropriating something
2 :something that has been appropriated; specifically :money set aside by formal action for a specific use
  • the city's appropriation for schools
—

appropriative

play \-ˈprō-prē-ˌā-tiv\ adjective

See appropriation defined for English-language learners

See appropriation defined for kids

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Examples of appropriation in a Sentence

  1. the appropriation of funds to repair the bridge

  2. The economy has been weakened by the appropriation of the country's resources by corrupt officials.

Recent Examples of appropriation from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'appropriation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of appropriation

see 2appropriate

appropriation Synonyms

Synonyms
allocation, allotment, annuity, entitlement, grant, subsidy, subvention
Related Words
aid, assistance, block grant, grant-in-aid, set-aside; foreign aid, relief, state aid; advance, allowance, benefit, bequest, endowment, fund, legacy, stipend, trust, trust fund

APPROPRIATION Defined for Kids

appropriation

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noun ap·pro·pri·a·tion \ ə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən \

Definition of appropriation for Students

1 :an act or instance of taking especially illegally or unfairly
2 :the act or an instance of setting apart for a special purpose
3 :a sum of money set apart for a special purpose

Learn More about appropriation

  1. See words that rhyme with appropriation Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for appropriation Spanish Central: Translation of appropriation Nglish: Translation of appropriation for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of appropriation for Arabic speakers

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Examples: appropriation in a Sentence