Synonyms of expropriate

expropriate

verb

ek-ˈsprō-prē-ˌāt 

1

as in to seize

to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right

dissidents were shot, and their lands expropriated under his regime

Synonyms & Similar Words

• seize
• confiscate
• usurp
• steal
• grab
• occupy
• convert
• commandeer
• arrogate
• preempt
• claim
• invade
• appropriate
• annex
• pirate
• snatch
• assume
• take over
• loot
• repossess
• press
• despoil
• attach
• impound
• pillage
• encroach
• trespass
• infringe
• grasp
• embezzle
• wrest
• preoccupy
• sequester
• wrench
• misappropriate
• misuse
• collar
• misapply
• peculate

2

as in to evict

to end the occupancy or possession of

the state will have to expropriate scores of homeowners in order to build the new road

Synonyms & Similar Words

• evict
• deprive
• dispossess
• divest
• oust
• strip
• usurp
• disinherit
• deforce
• seize
• impound
• annex
• appropriate
• commandeer
• bereave
• disfurnish
• take over

3

as in to confiscate

to take ownership or control of (something) by right of one's authority

plans by the city to expropriate entire blocks of houses in order to bulldoze them for expansion of the airport

Synonyms & Similar Words

• confiscate
• attach
• seize
• usurp
• preempt
• sequester
• appropriate
• arrogate
• garnishee
• take over
• commandeer

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• render
• yield
• deliver
• relinquish
• surrender
• release
• forfeit
• give up
• turn over
• cede
• hand over

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of expropriate

Gray says the project, revolving around an elderly woman seeking revenge on a foreign company that expropriated her land to build a luxury ski resort, offers international casting and co-producer angles but that the configuration will depend on Kawawada’s artistic vision. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 May 2026

Farmland and forests owned jointly by a village or a clan were likewise expropriated by the Japanese since no single individual could claim them. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Mar. 2026

Much of that early ’Lo gear was boosted from department stores across the New York tristate Area, and ‘Lo Heads ran the risk of their own spoils being expropriated back home. — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2026

After all, Exxon had its oil assets expropriated in Venezuela less than 20 years ago. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026

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