SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

usurpative

adjective
Save Word
usur·​pa·​tive | \ yüˈsərpətiv sometimes -ˈzər- \

Definition of usurpative

: of or constituting usurpation : usurping the tyranny of some usurpative minority — Nineteenth Century & After

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for usurpative

Late Latin usurpativus wrongly used, from Latin usurpatus (past participle of usurpare to usurp) + -ivus -ive

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about usurpative

Statistics for usurpative

Cite this Entry

“Usurpative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/usurpative. Accessed 4 Mar. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLA Chicago APA Merriam-Webster

Comments on usurpative

What made you want to look up usurpative? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

smorgasbord

Listen to the pronunciation of smorgasbord

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Who Knew?

  • who knew quiz
  • What is a ruelle?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Typeshift

Anagram puzzles meet word search.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games