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
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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
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Recent Examples of appropriating
When that happened in 2007, Chevron entered a deal to continue operating in the country, but ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil departed, accusing the Venezuelan government of unfairly appropriating billions in assets.
—
Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Jan. 2026
But Huddleston disagreed, saying the charter governs spending money but doesn’t apply to merely appropriating it.
—Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 7 Jan. 2026
Trump expressly declared that appropriating Venezuela’s enormous oil reserves justified regime change.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 Jan. 2026
Before springing for that Mandala or Celtic knot design, make sure to read up on its meaning to avoid appropriating any cultural or spiritual themes.
—Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 11 Dec. 2025
Some might be offended by an upstart office appropriating the hallowed Blue nickname.
—Big Think, 12 Nov. 2025
Legislative leaders are considering appropriating the money during a special session next month.
—The Npr Network, NPR, 6 Nov. 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
Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Jan. 2026
But Huddleston disagreed, saying the charter governs spending money but doesn’t apply to merely appropriating it.
—Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 7 Jan. 2026
Trump expressly declared that appropriating Venezuela’s enormous oil reserves justified regime change.
—Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 Jan. 2026
Before springing for that Mandala or Celtic knot design, make sure to read up on its meaning to avoid appropriating any cultural or spiritual themes.
—Marianne Mychaskiw, Allure, 11 Dec. 2025
Some might be offended by an upstart office appropriating the hallowed Blue nickname.
—Big Think, 12 Nov. 2025
Legislative leaders are considering appropriating the money during a special session next month.
—The Npr Network, NPR, 6 Nov. 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
-
Federal agents recently descended on Georgia state election offices without warning, seizing equipment, records, and ballots.—
State Rep. Matt Blumenthal,
Hartford Courant,
12 Feb. 2026
-
Williams also said the warrant didn't specify what the agents were supposed to be seizing.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Early childhood advocates were delighted when he was sworn into office seven years ago, his arms around his scene-stealing 2-year-old son.—
CalMatters,
Oc Register,
18 Feb. 2026
-
According to preliminary reports, the suspects threatened them with a firearm and held them for several minutes while stealing valuables.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Now the city wants more tools to expand its limited enforcement options, which would start with warnings, then fines and may include confiscating food, equipment and carts found in violation of city ordinance and health codes.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Video of the incident shows a CBP officer confiscating the handgun shortly before other agents shot Pretti multiple times, killing him.—
Paul Kiefer,
jsonline.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Callie is popular and vivacious, perpetually surrounded by admirers and various hangers-on (Audrey Grace Marshall’s Cara is hellbent on usurping Minnie’s place in Callie’s life, while her himbo-esque boyfriend Brad is given wonderful dimension through Beck Nolan’s sneaky-good performance).—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
13 Feb. 2026
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He is now engaged in an ongoing insurrection by violating the Constitution, exceeding his lawful authorities, usurping Congress, and encouraging Republican states to manipulate voting districts and procedures.—
Washington Post,
Washington Post,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Hearing the faint sirens of the white police officers who have been monitoring the area for no real reason, Kid attempts to blend into the party by grabbing the mic of the bored DJ—played by Parliament-Funkadelic’s George Clinton—to freestyle.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Or, Stein recommends grabbing a bed/mattress vacuum that is made specifically for the mattress.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Korean researchers have demonstrated a new method for producing jet fuel by converting landfill gas originating from food waste and manure into liquid fuel.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Feb. 2026
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The princess took advantage of the spacious Kensington Palace home, converting its top floor into a playground for her two young sons.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
For many reasons Texans are overtaxed as witnessed by the governor claiming surpluses.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
-
The co-owner of Pierozek in Brooklyn says a website claiming to sell pierogi plush pillows used photos from his restaurant's social media accounts in their customer reviews section.—
Kristie Keleshian,
CBS News,
14 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Appropriating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appropriating. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026.
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