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
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 preempt
Shortly after Colorado lawmakers enacted their AI bill in 2024, Governor Jared Polis (D-Colo.) urged congress to enact federal legislation preempting state regulation of AI.
—
Patrick Gleason, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
The decision preempts the Trump administration's 2026 budget proposal to cut funding for 988's LGBTQ+ youth and young adult services.
—Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
City records show that the actor paid $1.3 million for the apartment, preempting a potential bidding war by offering 10 percent over the asking price.
—Kim Velsey, Curbed, 12 June 2025
In their discussion at the time, councilmembers decided the requirement for a citywide vote is preempted by state law.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for preempt
Patrick Gleason, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
The decision preempts the Trump administration's 2026 budget proposal to cut funding for 988's LGBTQ+ youth and young adult services.
—Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
City records show that the actor paid $1.3 million for the apartment, preempting a potential bidding war by offering 10 percent over the asking price.
—Kim Velsey, Curbed, 12 June 2025
In their discussion at the time, councilmembers decided the requirement for a citywide vote is preempted by state law.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for preempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preempt
Verb
-
In 2024, the DEA seized more than 60 million counterfeit pills and nearly 8,000 pounds of fentanyl powder nationwide — enough to deliver more than 380 million lethal doses.—
Mark Michalek,
Denver Post,
28 June 2025
-
The same year, Iranian students seized the U.S. Embassy, holding 66 Americans hostage for 444 days.—
Sharyl Attkisson,
Baltimore Sun,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
Every member of the Fulbright Program’s board resigned after accusing the Trump Administration of usurping its authority and canceling scholarships for nearly 200 U.S. professors and researchers.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2025
-
In that case, filed in federal court in the District of Columbia, the judge said the president’s attempt to use a federal agency to enact a proof-of-citizenship requirement for voting usurped the power of states and Congress, which at the time was considering legislation that would do just that.—
Leah Willingham,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
The Pennsylvania State Game Commission confiscated the wildcats as part of an ongoing investigation.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
12 June 2025
-
Police would have the power to ticket, impound vehicles, confiscate personal property, revoke licenses and levy heavy fines.—
Paul Vallas,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2025
Verb
-
In the few months since its launch, JD.com has grabbed 7.5% of China’s food-delivery market after its daily meal orders reached 20 million on May 13, according to a May 14 research note from Blue Lotus Capital Advisors.—
Yue Wang,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
-
To help keep your home safe (and know when your Prime Day packages arrive), grab a Ring Battery Doorbell with Indoor Cam for under $150.—
Laura Lu,
Parents,
17 June 2025
Verb
-
The group later stole Samsung electronics valued at $14,081, authorities alleged.—
Amanda Gerut,
Fortune,
21 June 2025
-
The artist, Sir Daniel Winn, believes the pieces may have been stolen by an unscrupulous collector while an art recovery expert believes the two sculptures will be destroyed for scrap metal.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
21 June 2025
Verb
-
Cassie Ventura's friend claimed the two had been working on a clothing line with Diamond Supply Company.—
Lauryn Overhultz , Janelle Ash,
FOXNews.com,
22 June 2025
-
The Dreamers also claim their stadium would provide more event space.—
Kelly Martinez Semrad,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 June 2025
Verb
-
For example, lead scoring is a great starting point: AI can quickly sort through historical data to highlight which leads are most likely to convert.—
David Kelley,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
-
Boos rained down much of the evening, with frustration directed at the referees and the Checkers’ inability to convert on their powerplay opportunities.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
24 June 2025
Verb
-
These words, which fill a popular meme set against the profile of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., occupy our thoughts.—
Michael Pfleger,
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2025
-
Both occupy lots between Barack Obama Boulevard and South Montgomery Street south of SAP Center.—
Sal Pizarro,
Mercury News,
28 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preempt. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share