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
Relevance
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
Right-wing South African groups such as AfriForum have attacked a new federal land expropriation law, which replaces another law from the apartheid era.
—
Joe Hernandez, NPR, 20 Nov. 2025
Since 1980, countries have signed more than 2,600 bilateral and multilateral investment treaties that protect investors from national expropriation, trade discrimination, and undue regulatory burdens.
—Jessica F. Green, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2025
Unfortunately, the state's operation of the oil company has not exactly lived up to its promises, mired by the cost of legal battles over the government's expropriation of Repsol's stake, increased regulatory and political risks from state ownership, and government interference in fuel prices.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 29 Aug. 2025
The argument was this expropriation would increase lower-income countries’ access to the Covid-19 vaccine.
—Wayne Winegarden, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for expropriation
Joe Hernandez, NPR, 20 Nov. 2025
Since 1980, countries have signed more than 2,600 bilateral and multilateral investment treaties that protect investors from national expropriation, trade discrimination, and undue regulatory burdens.
—Jessica F. Green, Foreign Affairs, 7 Nov. 2025
Unfortunately, the state's operation of the oil company has not exactly lived up to its promises, mired by the cost of legal battles over the government's expropriation of Repsol's stake, increased regulatory and political risks from state ownership, and government interference in fuel prices.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 29 Aug. 2025
The argument was this expropriation would increase lower-income countries’ access to the Covid-19 vaccine.
—Wayne Winegarden, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for expropriation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expropriation
Noun
-
Even if a criminal gets your password, 2FA adds a second barrier that can stop account takeovers.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
District officials hope to to maintain student enrollment and ease the strain of a $65 million deficit, all while warding off the looming threat of a state takeover.—
Keri Heath,
Austin American Statesman,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Senate Democrats will not provide the votes to proceed to the appropriations bill if the DHS funding bill is included.—
Patrick Maguire,
CBS News,
25 Jan. 2026
-
While Senate Democrats were initially frustrated by the DHS bill, many still seemed inclined to vote for the entire appropriations package rather than risk a partial shutdown.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The investigation has led to the seizure of large volumes of drugs, weapons and cash as well as millions of dollars in cars, motorcycles, artwork and jewelry that allegedly belonged to Wedding and others.—
Sean Emery,
Oc Register,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Her struggles with her weight were amplified when she was later diagnosed with Functional Neurologic Disorder (a condition that causes seizures and cognitive problems) and borderline personality disorder (a mental illness that impacts how someone feels about themselves).—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
PEOPLE,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Development to be built over next 10 years The City Council unanimously approved the annexation and development plan with a time extension allowing it to be built out over roughly 10 years.—
Rose Evans
January 24,
Idaho Statesman,
24 Jan. 2026
-
The annexation of the Virgin Islands More than a century ago, President Woodrow Wilson bought the islands, then called the Danish West Indies, from Denmark, for $25 million after threatening to take them with force.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The Court’s usurpation runs deeper than the invalidation of statutes with a liberal cast, though there has been plenty of that.—
Duncan Hosie,
The Atlantic,
13 Jan. 2026
-
As Isaac told it, his kingdom’s history is rife with treachery, usurpation, and murder.—
Jon Lee Anderson,
New Yorker,
24 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Expropriation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expropriation. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
