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appropriation

noun

ap·​pro·​pri·​a·​tion ə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce appropriation (audio)
Synonyms of appropriationnext
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 adjective

Examples of appropriation in a Sentence

the appropriation of funds to repair the bridge The economy has been weakened by the appropriation of the country's resources by corrupt officials.
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.
In response, attorneys general from 21 states filed a lawsuit alleging the executive action violated Congress’s constitutional power over appropriations. Matt Cannon, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025 At a time when other federal appropriations have been slashed, DHS has become one of the few departments with money to burn. Patricia Lopez, Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2025 Although this idea was not realized, the proposal should not be forgotten as the parties work on compromises for long-term government appropriations. Kim-Lien Nguyen, Boston Herald, 29 Nov. 2025 Hussein serves as the co-vice chair of the House Legacy Finance Committee and Hawj is the chair of the Senate Environment, Climate and Legacy Committee and one of the authors of the appropriations bill. Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 28 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for appropriation

Word History

Etymology

see appropriate entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of appropriation was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Appropriation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appropriation. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

appropriation

noun
ap·​pro·​pri·​a·​tion ə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce appropriation (audio)
1
: an act or instance of appropriating
2
: a sum of money appropriated for a specific use

More from Merriam-Webster on appropriation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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