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
The bill's defenders will say that something is better than nothing, that federal law will eventually preempt the patchwork, and that a catastrophic-harm standard is at least enforceable.
—
Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
Netanyahu’s decision to preempt that debate was initially met with GOP skepticism.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 16 May 2026
The lawsuit presents one of the few setbacks the project could face, after DeSantis signed a bill last year that aimed to preempt local governments from enacting or enforcing regulations against presidential libraries.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
Frost noted that the show was preempted for six out of eight weeks of airing as the network turned its attention to the Gulf War.
—Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for preempt
Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
Netanyahu’s decision to preempt that debate was initially met with GOP skepticism.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 16 May 2026
The lawsuit presents one of the few setbacks the project could face, after DeSantis signed a bill last year that aimed to preempt local governments from enacting or enforcing regulations against presidential libraries.
—Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
Frost noted that the show was preempted for six out of eight weeks of airing as the network turned its attention to the Gulf War.
—Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for preempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preempt
Verb
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In April, Ukraine actually took back more land than Russia seized for the first time since 2024.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
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Metcalf's father has condemned those who have seized on the race of the teenagers after the killing.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 June 2026
Verb
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Though its glam environs were eventually usurped by Hawaii’s many newer luxury resorts, an extensive renovation in 2008 gave the Mauna Kea an update without sacrificing its throwback charm.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
24 May 2026
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After opting against pursuing a deal for Mike Maignan last summer, Chelsea have stuck with Robert Sanchez as No 1 — bar a brief spell where Filip Jorgensen usurped him in March.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
Verb
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The Supreme Court released an 8-1 ruling allowing a lawsuit over property confiscated by the Cuban government to move forward.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
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From the moment Lawrence had the first edition privately printed in Italy, American and British authorities confiscated copies that had been smuggled across their borders and secretly read the novel for pleasure.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
3 June 2026
Verb
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There’s plenty to see and do on this one street—stop by Colonial Park Cemetery, established in 1750; the Juliet Gordon Low Birthplace Museum, honoring the founder of the Girl Scouts; then grab a bite at Marbled & Fin, where luxe appetizers and aged steaks reign supreme.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 June 2026
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After Corbin made his introduction to the Islanders as a whole back at the fire pit, Melanie was the first to grab him for a chat.—
Carolyn Burt,
Oc Register,
9 June 2026
Verb
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Sukhmati described how her comrades would raid police stations to steal weapons.—
Dhruv Tikekar,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
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Tovar also stole home in the fourth inning.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
30 May 2026
Verb
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Attorneys say Gray intervened in fight Attorneys claim Gray was attempting to break up a fight when Tarver pulled out a gun and shot him.—
Erin Jones,
CBS News,
6 June 2026
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Inspired by a true story, this thriller centers around a fast food manager, Sandra (Ann Dowd), who receives a call from a man identifying himself as a police officer claiming to be investigating a potential theft by Becky (Dreama Walker), one of the restaurant’s employees.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 June 2026
Verb
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In a July 2015 memorandum, the county suggested purchasing a lot near the Bethel House to be converted into a parking lot, then give it to the Bethel House upon completion.—
Delia Rose Sauer,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2026
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In early January, Chan and five other quantum chemists based out of the California Institute of Technology reached a key milestone in understanding the enzyme nitrogenase, which converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia and makes life on our planet possible.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
29 May 2026
Verb
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About Acqualina Resort Conveniently located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Acqualina Resort occupies 5 oceanfront acres in Sunny Isles, a town known for its wide sandy beaches, luxury shopping, and international atmosphere.—
Katie Riley,
Southern Living,
8 June 2026
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Many lead institutions that are more than a century old yet are the first women ever to occupy the top role.—
Sam Birchall,
Fortune,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preempt. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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