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
In a Wednesday memo to the mayor and City Council, Assistant City Manager Mike Rogers outlined a preliminary slate of projects and funding categories, stressing that the proposal is not intended to preempt future council decisions.
—
Chaya Tong, Austin American Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
Many software businesses have been investing in more tools to boost their AI software stacks and preempt competitive AI pressures.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026
Before even jumping into questions during Wednesday’s conference, Cardman preempted any probing questions.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 22 Jan. 2026
State laws conflict with and are preempted by the Atomic Energy Act, according to Post-Tribune archives.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preempt
Chaya Tong, Austin American Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
Many software businesses have been investing in more tools to boost their AI software stacks and preempt competitive AI pressures.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2026
Before even jumping into questions during Wednesday’s conference, Cardman preempted any probing questions.
—Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 22 Jan. 2026
State laws conflict with and are preempted by the Atomic Energy Act, according to Post-Tribune archives.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preempt
Verb
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The Revolutionary Guard holds vast business interest across Iran, and sanctions could allow its assets in Europe to be seized.—
SAM McNEIL AND JON GAMBRELL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
30 Jan. 2026
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Gabbard was photographed in Fulton County on the day of the raid as the FBI seized 2020 election ballots.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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And though preseason predictions pegged Marty Supreme as Gwyneth Paltrow’s big Oscar comeback, Odessa A’zion’s performance as a girlfriend with gumption has usurped the Goopster’s buzz.—
Nate Jones,
Vulture,
21 Jan. 2026
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Trump has usurped Capitol Hill's Constitutional powers on spending money and waging war.—
Susan Page,
USA Today,
17 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The next day, authorities confiscated more than 50,000 vapes and displayed them in Mexico City’s central square.—
María Verza,
Fortune,
31 Jan. 2026
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Now the city wants more tools to expand its limited enforcement options, which would start with warnings, then fines and may include confiscating food, equipment and carts found in violation of city ordinance and health codes.—
Jake Goodrick,
Sacbee.com,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The bottom-line mandate for the Bruins on Monday night was to grab two points against the worst team in the Eastern Conference.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
27 Jan. 2026
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On January 13, in a win over the Chicago Bulls, Davison played 24 minutes, scoring 9 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and dishing out 4 assists.—
Rahat Huq,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Around 2015, upstarts like Chobani or BodyArmor began stealing market share from legacy brands.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
31 Jan. 2026
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Another alleged member of the Latin Kings was charged in federal court in the District of Minnesota this month with being a felon in possession of a firearm and theft of government property after breaking into an FBI vehicle and stealing a rifle.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The lawsuit claims Saint Ann’s leadership was alerted twice in early 2024 that explicit images of young girls were circulating among students on Snapchat but failed to notify police or intervene beyond internal meetings.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
1 Feb. 2026
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The scammer claims to be on an oil rig or in a war zone (but rotating home soon) or is otherwise unreachable in person.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Arkansas Online,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Trump has recently appeared onstage with MAGA convert Nicki Minaj, and remade the Kennedy Center in his own name, atypically hosting its annual gala feting Kiss, George Strait, Gloria Gaynor and Michael Crawford.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Jan. 2026
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And similar to last year, one of the focuses will be on revitalizing and converting older buildings into modern office spaces, apartments and hotels.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The restaurant has occupied the space for decades, sits steps from the ski lifts in Vail Village, and is a local favorite for skiers, tourists and locals alike.—
Spencer Wilson,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
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Bonhams occupies what’s defined as the mid-range market, mostly offering lots priced between $50,000 to $1 million, while the top three — Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Phillips — court sellers and buyers at the vertiginous top end.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Preempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preempt. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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