as in seizure
Related 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 impressment
The Advertiser was edited by Samuel Adams for artisans and laborers fired up by their successful resistance to impressment—the Navy’s effort to grab men for forced service—and concerned about rising poverty in the postwar depression.
—
Time, 7 July 2025
In particular, the U.S. government protested British interference with its foreign trade and the Royal Navy’s practice of impressment, which meant forcing American sailors to serve aboard British warships.
—Lawrence B.a. Hatter / Made By History, TIME, 4 Feb. 2025
The United States declared war on Great Britain after more incidents of naval impressment, trade restrictions, and the British attack of the Chesapeake.
—Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 14 Nov. 2024
The crew was a combustible mix of regular sailors, marines and impressed crewmen — impressment being a kind of slavery wherein men were kidnapped and forced to serve for an indefinite period.
—Mary Ann Gwinn, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2023
Jefferson’s accession to the presidency coincided with demands for higher payments and the impressment of a U.S. Navy frigate, the USS George Washington, by the Dey of Algiers as a courier vessel.
—John Yoo, National Review, 15 Jan. 2020
These distinctive tattoos were then recorded in their personal Seamen’s Protection Certificates, which were used as identification and to help stave off impressment.
—Jennifer Nalewicki, Smithsonian, 28 Feb. 2017
In fact, by the late summer of 1812, the British had eliminated the orders in council, leaving impressment as the only unresolved issue of any consequence.
—Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 2012
Time, 7 July 2025
In particular, the U.S. government protested British interference with its foreign trade and the Royal Navy’s practice of impressment, which meant forcing American sailors to serve aboard British warships.
—Lawrence B.a. Hatter / Made By History, TIME, 4 Feb. 2025
The United States declared war on Great Britain after more incidents of naval impressment, trade restrictions, and the British attack of the Chesapeake.
—Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 14 Nov. 2024
The crew was a combustible mix of regular sailors, marines and impressed crewmen — impressment being a kind of slavery wherein men were kidnapped and forced to serve for an indefinite period.
—Mary Ann Gwinn, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2023
Jefferson’s accession to the presidency coincided with demands for higher payments and the impressment of a U.S. Navy frigate, the USS George Washington, by the Dey of Algiers as a courier vessel.
—John Yoo, National Review, 15 Jan. 2020
These distinctive tattoos were then recorded in their personal Seamen’s Protection Certificates, which were used as identification and to help stave off impressment.
—Jennifer Nalewicki, Smithsonian, 28 Feb. 2017
In fact, by the late summer of 1812, the British had eliminated the orders in council, leaving impressment as the only unresolved issue of any consequence.
—Foreign Affairs, 31 Oct. 2012
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impressment
Noun
-
The double blockade actually creates a pretty tenuous situation because every interdiction, every warning shot, every seizure of vessels, could become a trigger for a wider relapse into conflict.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
27 Apr. 2026
-
That certification does not mention mines specifically and is intended to protect against the entire spectrum of threats, including missile and drone attacks or seizures, Mortimer said.—
Ben Finley,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
At the start of the prosecution’s case on April 7, Horner pleaded guilty to capital murder in the course of kidnapping.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The 38-year-old Smart, whose harrowing kidnapping story captivated the nation, announced her latest endeavor on Instagram over the weekend with a photo showing off her impressive physique.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Impressment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impressment. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
