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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of preempt
Lawmakers recently spent hours arguing over measures to preempt local governments from funding activities that fall under a vague and broad definition of diversity, equality and inclusion, stop them from restricting greenhouse gases, and prevent them from regulating urban sprawl.
—
Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
That bill, among other things, would preempt state regulation of NIL payments.
—Dan Mangan, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
Last year, a Tennessee lawmaker introduced a bill that would temporarily preempt certain lawsuits against Abbott and other manufacturers of specialized formulas for preterm infants while the FDA studies the issue.
—Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
Paper straws Florida lawmakers have passed many bills preempting local laws in recent years but a ban on local governments banning of single-use plastic straws.
—Ana Goñi-Lessan, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preempt
Jeffrey Schweers, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
That bill, among other things, would preempt state regulation of NIL payments.
—Dan Mangan, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
Last year, a Tennessee lawmaker introduced a bill that would temporarily preempt certain lawsuits against Abbott and other manufacturers of specialized formulas for preterm infants while the FDA studies the issue.
—Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026
Paper straws Florida lawmakers have passed many bills preempting local laws in recent years but a ban on local governments banning of single-use plastic straws.
—Ana Goñi-Lessan, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preempt
Verb
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Gil Messing, the Chief of Staff of Check Point, an Israeli cybersecurity company, said the FBI seizing the Handala site would help combat the perception of Iran’s cyber ability.—
Kevin Collier,
NBC news,
19 Mar. 2026
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So, when Ozzie (Kyle Bary), a former child star, finds himself in a heap of trouble, Jax seizes the opportunity to spice up her daily routine.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In other words, the apparatus that became the modern movie camera, up until digital technology usurped the role that film cameras played in capturing the first 100 years of filmmaking.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
20 Mar. 2026
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The table by the front door was entirely usurped by leashes, harnesses, collars, assorted car seat belts and, of course, poop bags.—
Inga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Earlier Wednesday, journalists were shown equipment confiscated in raids elsewhere, including uniforms and fake identification cards used by scammers to pose online as Japanese police officers to trick and intimidate victims.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Mar. 2026
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His father was forged by years of revolutionary hardship—prison, persecution, life underground—before coming to power and reportedly amassing a war chest exceeding $100 billion, built in part from properties confiscated from religious minorities who fled persecution.—
Karim Sadjadpour,
The Atlantic,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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So grab your Kindle or take a trip to the bookstore, because your TBR is about to get a lot longer.—
De Elizabeth,
Glamour,
17 Mar. 2026
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Gui Santos put up 18 points and four rebounds, and Gary Payton II continued his strong run of play on the offensive side of the ball by scoring 15 and grabbing six rebounds.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Shortly thereafter, VanSlooten stole the ball and drove the length of the court for a layup that made it 54-51.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
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Amedee makes a diving stop at first to steal a hit away from Cotton.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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That package will now go down in history as the fifth team in Lutheran history to claim a state title and the first 5A win.—
Alissa Noe,
Denver Post,
15 Mar. 2026
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But rather than claiming a popular mandate its authority comes from prophetic revelation.—
Rachel Monroe,
New Yorker,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Tommy is on a one-man sub-baking, mayo-squirting, cheese-melting mission to convert London’s snooty sandwich-nibblers to hearty American sub-munchers.—
Dominic Green,
The Washington Examiner,
20 Mar. 2026
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Villanova is shooting lights out from three, converting on 14-of-29 attempts from deep.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Overlooking the holy North Indian city of Rishikesh (where the Beatles visited in the sixties) and the Ganga river, the spa occupies 100 acres of the palace estate of the local Maharaja.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Mar. 2026
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The property occupies a lot of 5,400 square feet.—
Bay Area Home Report,
Mercury News,
16 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preempt. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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