expropriation

noun

(ˌ)ek-ˌsprō-prē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce expropriation (audio)
Definition of expropriationnext
as in takeover
the unlawful taking or withholding of something from the rightful owner under a guise of authority the development of the colony involved expropriation of large tracts of fertile farmland from the natives

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 expropriation Lawyers for the groups argued Monday that the law violates the South African Constitution's protections of private property and prohibitions of expropriation of land without compensation. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 Put simply, this new deal consists of care in exchange for expropriation. — Literary Hub, 18 June 2026 In the wake of the protests, the Environmental Protection and Conservation Authority has denounced the lack of transparency in the projects, which were approved without public consultation and with sudden expropriations of land. — Marzio G. Mian, Vanity Fair, 16 June 2026 Geopolitical risk, unlike standard macroeconomic risk, specifically heightens expropriation risk. — Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, Forbes.com, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for expropriation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expropriation
  1. takeover
  2. appropriation
  3. seizure
  4. annexation
  5. usurpation
Noun
  • In Frisco, Texas, opposition to Hindu temples and a mosque fueled claims of an Indian takeover, and a protester tore apart an Indian flag near City Hall.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath, who Abbott appointed, announced the takeover October 2025, after a school that had since been closed received five consecutive failing scores in Texas’ A-F accountability ratings.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of takeover
Noun
  • Unlike most educational funding, the FSTC isn’t a legislative appropriation.
    — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The Impoundment Control Act of 1974 protects lawmakers’ decisions against presidential efforts to ignore congressional appropriations.
    — Stephanie A, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of appropriation
Noun
  • Marine mammals with domoic acid toxicosis often suffer from brain damage and seizures.
    — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Lead poisoning can cause brain swelling, trouble breathing, weak muscles, dehydration, starvation, kidney and liver problems, or seizures, Young explains.
    — Margherita Bassi, Popular Science, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of seizure
Noun
  • Three weeks after the city stopped the annexation, effectively killing the development, local reporters confirmed that Beale was moving forward with the data center anyway.
    — Gaby Del Valle, The Verge, 29 Oct. 2026
  • In February, the cities of Fort Worth and Aledo joined together to sue Willow Park in Parker County, saying the initial annexation was unlawful since the land wasn’t contiguous to Willow Park’s boundaries.
    — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of annexation
Noun
  • Cathy’s ingratiation with, and eventual usurpation of, brothel owner Faye (Martha Plimpton) gets an entire episode.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Wasserman Schultz’s decision to run in the historically Black 20th Congressional District was selfish and opportunistic carpetbagging, a devastating usurpation of power from Black Floridians.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of usurpation

Browse Nearby Words

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expropriations
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Cite this Entry

“Expropriation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expropriation. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on expropriation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about expropriation

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