Thesaurus results for PREEMPT

preempt

verb

prē-ˈem(p)t

Definition of preempt

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 While Congress holds more power to preempt state taxes, even specific ones, under its Commerce Clause authority, this path is highly complex. — Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 McHale concluded that the US Commodity Exchange Act does not preempt Washington state gambling law. — Jon Brodkin, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2026 The lawsuit argued that the new rules incorrectly preempt states’ powers to regulate how the interest generated by mortgage escrow accounts is handled. — P.r. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026 Social conservatives are also concerned that the bill would preempt state laws governing who can play in women’s sports. — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preempt

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preempt

Verb

Weapons and drugs were seized after an investigation led to two search warrants in the City of Wyoming in late August.

— Karma Sabbah, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026
The civil war dates back to 2014, when the Houthis seized much of northern Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of seize

Verb

The head coach foresaw a transition taking place over a 12-to-18-month period, whereby Trafford would eventually usurp Pope, now 34.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Jason Speaking of football-loving families, the Kelces seem to have usurped the Mannings for the sport’s first family.

— Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of usurp

Verb

Additional devices were reportedly confiscated at James' home, officials said.

— Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026
Lebanese soldiers deployed there are tasked with preventing armed non-state actors, like Hezbollah, from coming in; confiscating any weapons and remnants of war; and restoring state authority.

— Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of confiscate

Verb

Emmys nights one and two saw Widow’s Bay pick up a whopping eight trophies, one short of The Studio’s total of nine last year, and this evening might end with Widow’s Bay grabbing a lot of the same awards The Studio did last year.

— Vulture Staff, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026
Researchers have long recognized that humor can grab attention, deepen social connection, and build attraction.

— Norbert Schwarz, Harvard Business Review, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of grab

Verb

But while Mahomes looked crisp, Kansas City’s $43 million offseason prize stole the entire spotlight.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2026
The theft-prone models lack a critical safeguard called an engine immobilizer pioneered in the mid-1980s, when more than 60,000 cars a year were stolen in Los Angeles alone.

— Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of steal

Verb

The group claims that HIV treatment has improved in the decades since the military initially categorized HIV as a health problem that disqualifies someone from enlistment.

— Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 15 Sep. 2026
At the same time, the Houthis claimed a successful attack on a Saudi air base, following an attack last week on a Saudi oil pipeline.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of claim

Verb

The garage has been converted into a medical and isolation ward equipped with incubators, oxygen machines, and supplies for treating wounds and administering fluids.

— Meg Dunn, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2026
Hydrogel converts water into a gel, allowing multiple finishing treatments to be performed in a single bath.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of convert

Browse Nearby Words

preeminent

preempt

preempted

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“Preempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preempt. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of preempt

verb

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Synonyms of preempt

verb

Example Sentences

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