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
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Recent Examples of appropriating
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
Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for appropriating
Verb
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The incidents highlight the contortions of the Taliban four years after seizing power of Afghanistan.—
NPR,
NPR,
14 Oct. 2025
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Polymarket for its part has drawn in younger users with a better platform and by seizing upon the pandemic-era gambling trend especially prevalent in Gen Z men—not to mention with a little help from a newly friendly regulatory environment.—
Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez,
Fortune,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Meanwhile, rival electric vehicle makers, including China’s BYD, are stealing market share with cheaper, high-quality offerings.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
10 Oct. 2025
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In this film based on a true story, Channing Tatum plays Jeffrey Manchester, a notorious spree robber known for stealing from a variety of McDonald’s franchises.—
Savannah Salazar,
Vulture,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Witnesses claimed that after France’s embarrassing loss to Haiti, the French government retaliated by confiscating Ferdinand’s belongings and abandoning the child to an orphanage.—
Marlene L. Daut
September 22,
Literary Hub,
22 Sep. 2025
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Even confiscating half would barely register against a $6 trillion federal budget.—
Sally Pipes,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 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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Before grabbing a host of amendments at the nursery, however, do a soil test through your local extension service to see what your garden actually needs.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Oct. 2025
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Wear them now with blouses and T-shirts when visiting a pumpkin patch or grabbing dinner with friends.—
Averi Baudler,
PEOPLE,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Instead, Jain noted that in the past year, Indian consumers are coming back into stores and converting their old jewelry into more contemporary designs.—
Ramishah Maruf,
CNN Money,
8 Oct. 2025
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As of January 2024, at least 192 shopping malls across the country were planning on converting space into apartments, according to real estate consulting firm Realogic.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Trump has long desired the prize, claiming credit for ending global conflicts.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
10 Oct. 2025
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Violations can include overstaying a visa, departing late, or applying for a change of status, including claiming asylum.—
Alia Shoaib,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Appropriating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/appropriating. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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