EXPROPRIATE Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

expropriate

verb

ek-ˈsprō-prē-ˌāt

Definition of expropriate

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

Relevance

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

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 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 See All Example Sentences for expropriate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expropriate

Verb

Oviedo also alleged that bundles of cash seized from an ambulance leaving Mariaca’s home in the city of Santa Cruz early Thursday were proceeds of extortion targeting people who sought help from prosecutors.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Azerbaijan has denied these allegations, but the country is a major oil supplier to Israel, which might be enough to push Tehran to try to seize Nakhichevan, an Azerbaijani exclave on the Iranian border.

— Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of seize

Verb

Murray said that in recent spending negotiations, Democrats fought to include language to prevent the administration from usurping Congress’ power on spending decisions, but Republicans have declined to go along.

— Kevin Freking, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
The Founders never intended for the federal government to usurp the authority of your local school board or your homeowners’ association.

— Sen. Rand Paul OutKick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of usurp

Verb

Using a tarp to control weeds is an easy method that works by depriving the plants of light, water, and oxygen.

— Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 26 Sep. 2026
The expansion of the allegations just weeks before trial and the delay in his arraignment, Sanon’s lawyers argue, deprive him of adequate notice and time to prepare.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of deprive

Verb

That includes organizing plots to set fire to warehouses, launching drones and trying to kill enemies abroad as well as stealing defense technology and carrying out cyberattacks on critical European infrastructure.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
The Weld County Sheriff's Office says a woman broke into a business in the 800 block of 25th Avenue on Friday and stole about $4,000 worth of copper wire.

— Christa Swanson, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of steal

Verb

Sveindis Jonsdottir capped the scoring in the 67th minute, dispossessing Tatumn Milazzo deep in Utah territory before rolling a shot past McGlynn’s right side.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
Sveindís Jónsdóttir capped the scoring in the 67th minute, dispossessing Tatumn Milazzo deep in Utah territory before rolling a shot past McGlynn’s right side.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of dispossess

Verb

Over the course of Next Gen NYC’s season, which ended this past week, the model Ava Dash grabs a slice of pizza on Fulton Street; strolls through the Seaport; and calls her father, the hip-hop mogul Damon Dash, from a bench at Pier 17.

— Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 29 Sep. 2026
Stop in today to bid farewell and grab one last fresh burger, hand cut fries and premium ice cream sundae.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of grab

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expropriate

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“Expropriate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expropriate. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of expropriate

verb

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