preempt

verb

prē-ˈem(p)t How to pronounce preempt (audio)
Definition of preemptnext
as in to seize
to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right the thoughtless teenagers had preempted front-row seats that were reserved for the guests of honor

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 preempt But the Court finds the state law is likely preempted in many respects. — Samantha Elkins, NBC news, 27 July 2026 Pierron, who recalled not being able to watch the 1986 World Cup final in Olathe because it had been preempted by a telethon, bought season tickets right away. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026 To Ford’s credit, the company is attempting to preempt the threat of Chinese competition with product, in the form of a $30,000 electric pickup. — Adam Ismail, The Drive, 16 July 2026 The biggest differences touch on one of the stickiest issues in Washington — whether a single federal standard should preempt state laws around AI. — Emily Wilkins, CNBC, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for preempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preempt
  1. seize
  2. usurp
  3. confiscate
  4. grab
  5. steal
  6. claim
  7. convert
  8. occupy
Verb
  • At home, Indian authorities moved aggressively, seizing his properties and luxury assets, from high-end cars to jewelry and artworks.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • President Min Aung Hlaing, the former army chief who had originally seized power in 2021 from Suu Kyi’s civilian government, has been trying to win political legitimacy since the takeover and resume relations with ASEAN.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of seize
Verb
  • Since around 2020, the literary precinct of the social-media platform TikTok seems to have usurped older marketing and publicity strategies as a primary driver of sales.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, his long-suffering wife, Penelope (Anne Hathaway), is warding off hundreds of suitors eager to usurp Odysseus’ throne back home.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of usurp
Verb
  • Reuters — The Thai teen behind a deadly school shooting outside Bangkok had an air gun confiscated by a teacher last year and had watched violent content online, police said on Sunday, as the government promised new safety protocols for schools.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • But Gale found an unlikely refuge in books that had been confiscated from the belongings of new members.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of confiscate
Verb
  • Vandersloot also had 10 assists and Cardoso grabbed 13 rebounds.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • When the Almaden Barnes & Noble closed last year after 26 years there was an emotional reaction from the community about a place to browse for books, magazines, puzzles and even grab a cup of coffee.
    — Pueng Vongs, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of grab
Verb
  • Louis Varland tied the game in the ninth, and the Cubs won 3-2 in 11 innings when Crow-Armstrong scored from second after stealing third and coming home on a throwing error by catcher Brandon Valenzuela.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Unsurprisingly, firms reaping profits from the AI boom steal the show.
    — Naazneen Karmali, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of steal
Verb
  • In a post on X, Sánchez also claimed that Italy has allowed in twice the number of migrants as Spain since 2021, with Spain receiving 234,000 to Italy’s 478,000.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • By producing pure, highly concentrated molecules that mimic the skin’s natural functions, Lewisham claims her products are more consistent, precise and sustainable.
    — Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of claim
Verb
  • Houston defender Allysha Chapman drew a penalty in the 78th minute and Rader converted to pull the Dash (5-8-5) even at home.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • But Sabalenka converted a spinny kick second-serve ace, keeping her faint hopes alive.
    — Lukas Weese, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of convert
Verb
  • Israeli forces currently occupy more than half of Gaza, in the east and south of the territory.
    — Tim Lister, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Some occupy the farmhouses on the lower slope, overlooking the cobbled courtyard and Mediterranean herb gardens, while others are slightly further up and offer panoramic views of the Panzano valley.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of occupy

Browse Nearby Words

preeminent
preempt
preempted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preempt. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of preempt for Spanish Speakers

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