as in stole
to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep
a financial manager misappropriating funds from her clients' accounts
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Recent Examples of misappropriated
The alligator is a symbol that is being misappropriated as a predator, but it’s known as a sacred guardian in the Everglades.
—
Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 19 Dec. 2025
In early August, for example, NABU and SAPO exposed a criminal group of political, military, and business figures that had misappropriated funds allocated by local authorities for the purchase of drones and electronic warfare systems.
—Daria Kaleniuk, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2025
She is also accused of misappropriated the victim’s money at least 45 times from June 2021 through November 2022, Gerace added.
—Fox19 Staff, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Aug. 2025
The State alleged the cash was misappropriated Sumner County Food Bank funds.
—Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 5 Aug. 2025
Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 19 Dec. 2025
In early August, for example, NABU and SAPO exposed a criminal group of political, military, and business figures that had misappropriated funds allocated by local authorities for the purchase of drones and electronic warfare systems.
—Daria Kaleniuk, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2025
She is also accused of misappropriated the victim’s money at least 45 times from June 2021 through November 2022, Gerace added.
—Fox19 Staff, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Aug. 2025
The State alleged the cash was misappropriated Sumner County Food Bank funds.
—Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for misappropriated
Verb
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The sentencing follows a year in which mostly Chinese scammers stole a record $17 billion from regular people.—
Carlos Garcia,
Fortune,
28 Jan. 2026
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What settler stole this sacred land and is now charging me for these healing waters?—
Gaby Iori
January 27,
Literary Hub,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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His aides have pulled back funds appropriated by lawmakers, who constitutionally control federal purse strings.—
NPR Staff,
NPR,
23 Jan. 2026
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The funds at issue are appropriated by Congress.—
Sarah N. Lynch,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Misappropriated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/misappropriated. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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