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
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Recent Examples of preempt
The judge agreed and denied the DHS motion to preempt the case.
—
Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
In November, a coalition of 43 faith leaders sent a letter to Congress, urging lawmakers not to preempt state AI laws in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 23 Dec. 2025
The Supreme Court did not address the equal protection argument, instead ruling that the city ordinances are preempted by state law.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 22 Dec. 2025
Such conversations are relayed up to network executives, who must weigh whether to preempt or delay programming, decisions that can affect advertising revenue.
—Bill Barrow, Fortune, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preempt
Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
In November, a coalition of 43 faith leaders sent a letter to Congress, urging lawmakers not to preempt state AI laws in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 23 Dec. 2025
The Supreme Court did not address the equal protection argument, instead ruling that the city ordinances are preempted by state law.
—Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 22 Dec. 2025
Such conversations are relayed up to network executives, who must weigh whether to preempt or delay programming, decisions that can affect advertising revenue.
—Bill Barrow, Fortune, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preempt
Verb
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Venezuela seized Exxon's and Conoco's assets in 2007, and Caracas owes the companies billions of dollars in outstanding claims from arbitration cases.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
16 Jan. 2026
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Hannah Natanson, who covers the federal government, was at home when the FBI searched the property and her devices, seizing a phone, Garmin watch and both a personal and work laptop, according to the news organization.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Vintage fiberglass end chairs and a pair of cushy benches usurped the traditional dining set.—
Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
12 Jan. 2026
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Allowing the programs to lapse further would create unintended—and unwelcome—opportunities for foreign adversaries, which could usurp America’s influence in both regions, Murphy wrote.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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French authorities confiscated the cocaine.—
Jay Weaver
January 8,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2026
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While raising the kids together, Ruby and Hildebrandt abused the two youngest children with harsh punishments and torture, according to Ruby's journal that was later confiscated.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
4 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Start your very own love affair with Outcrease Retinol Trifecta Serum by grabbing a bottle today, and check out some of Dermelect’s other skin correcting serums and facial oils below.—
Michelle Baricevic,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
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Madison outrebounded Point Loma 36-24, with Stevens grabbing seven and Moore five.—
John Maffei,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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One of the more entertaining theories to explain Indiana’s success is that a Hoosiers staffer hacked a cloud to steal the opponent’s game plans.—
Mac Engel
January 13,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
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The perfect partner for the look is a powder pink clutch and stole, both with embroidery that matches the dress.—
Ana Serrano,
Glamour,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Cu also disputed prosecutors’ claims that the defendants caused up to $300,000 in damage.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
10 Jan. 2026
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At the heart of the discussion was a dispute over the legitimacy of a report that claimed Deerfield Beach would save millions of dollars by creating its own independent police and fire rescue operations.—
Carlton Gillespie,
Miami Herald,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Uniqlo designs the beanie with a moisture-wicking nylon blend that converts the body’s moisture into heat while preventing it from escaping.—
Alison Syrett Cleary,
InStyle,
9 Jan. 2026
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The 6-6 Oldacre converted 7 of 8 shots from the floor and 9 of 12 free throws.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The final part of the dormancy evolution puzzle is what ecologists refer to as the ecological niche a species occupies — the specific set of conditions that species evolved to exploit or the conditions under which that species is likely to be more successful when compared to other species.—
Paul Cappiello,
Louisville Courier Journal,
9 Jan. 2026
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Inside, authorities found fresh groceries, animals, and other signs that people are actively occupying some of the units.—
Nina Burns,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preempt. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
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