Definition of confiscatenext
as in to seize
to take ownership or control of (something) by right of one's authority anything that might be used as a weapon will be confiscated by the security guards

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of confiscate The family was released from CBP custody, but their cotton cargo was confiscated. Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026 Israeli soldiers then arrived in two vehicles and tore it down, but left the blue tarp canopy neatly folded on the ground rather than confiscating it. Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026 Upon his arrest, authorities confiscated a notebook prosecutors say belonged to Mangione and contained plans to kill Thompson. Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026 Patterson said 12 juveniles were arrested, and a firearm was confiscated from a 16-year-old. Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for confiscate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for confiscate
Verb
  • Messi had a shot saved at the beginning of the second half, but Palacios then sparked a move from one side of the pitch to the other as Nashville restored its lead in the 49th minute and seized control of the game.
    Dean Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Biggs, 67, has seized on the refusal, repeatedly challenging Hobbs to debate and making her absence itself part of his campaign message.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • There are multiple red flags attached to the tie with Tromso.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Sculptor Oscar Leon made the statue with the ball attached to the right hand of Fox, who was flipping it to Aparicio.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Confiscate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/confiscate. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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