1
as in seizing
to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right
archaeologists wrongfully appropriated artifacts excavated at ancient sites for their museums
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in stealing
to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep
you can't just appropriate somebody's term paper and put your name on it!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of appropriating
Legislative leaders are considering appropriating the money during a special session next month.
—
The Npr Network, NPR, 30 Oct. 2025
While some fans were thrilled to see the return of a Snapchat filter, matte-lip sporting Jenner, others were less enchanted, calling the reality star out for appropriating Black culture.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
The awards are expected to be announced later this year and depend on Congress appropriating the funds, according to the National Science Foundation website.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2025
The Npr Network, NPR, 30 Oct. 2025
While some fans were thrilled to see the return of a Snapchat filter, matte-lip sporting Jenner, others were less enchanted, calling the reality star out for appropriating Black culture.
—Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
The awards are expected to be announced later this year and depend on Congress appropriating the funds, according to the National Science Foundation website.
—Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appropriating
Verb
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Under Georgian law, buying, transporting or selling nuclear or radioactive material is punishable by up to five years in prison and seizing a nuclear material can lead to a sentence of up to 10 years.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
26 Oct. 2025
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As French police, government officials and top executives at the Louvre Museum continue to scratch their heads over how thieves managed to brazenly steal priceless jewelry in broad daylight, a German company is seizing the moment and grabbing its 15 minutes of fame.—
Lianne Kolirin,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The sign-stealing scandal of the Houston Astros [who beat the Dodgers in the 2017 World Series].—
Alison Weinflash,
Rolling Stone,
31 Oct. 2025
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What was once a guilty-pleasure show for the whole family to enjoy has since captivated audiences through a refreshing social media strategy and stars like Robert Irwin, who is totally stealing hearts on the dance floor and our phone screens.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The sweeping opinion ran through a list of Israeli practices that the ICJ said violated international law, including confiscating land, building Israeli settlements in the territories, and depriving Palestinians of natural resources and the right to self-determination.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
22 Oct. 2025
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Lower courts initially sided with Jouppi, finding that confiscating an entire airplane over the cases of beer was excessive.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
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He has been accused of having an inappropriate relationship with the sheriff and of usurping her authority, leading the county Board of Supervisors to eliminate his position in November 2024.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
19 Sep. 2025
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Besides, usurping Jinkx Monsoon for Miss Piggy would fan the ferocious flames of backstage drama and turmoil (hmmm … Smash season-three idea).—
Tom Smyth,
Vulture,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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These are especially useful for taking public transport, grabbing a quick coffee, or leaving a small tip at a restaurant.—
Asia London Palomba,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Oct. 2025
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Peterson led the way, scoring 26 points — 24 before halftime — and grabbing four rebounds.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In another development, researchers in Canada have discovered a previously unknown bacterium capable of converting food waste into renewable natural gas, which opens new opportunities for carbon-neutral fuel production.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Oct. 2025
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Miami-Dade College took control in 2005, fully restoring the building and converting it into its current form as a home for the college’s cultural programs.—
Douglas Markowitz,
Miami Herald,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But in the decades since, the iconic mission has become the source of several major conspiracy theories, primarily one claiming that the landing itself was a hoax entirely staged by NASA.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
31 Oct. 2025
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Rogan fired back by claiming that Harris and her team never agreed to an appearance on his podcast.—
Katherine Schaffstall,
HollywoodReporter,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Appropriating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appropriating. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.
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