as in to seize
to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right
the mayor usurped the school board's authority when he fired the principal
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of usurp
Many Lebanese have long blamed Hezbollah for usurping decisions of war and peace from the hands of the government.
—
Rania Abouzeid, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
During President Donald Trump’s second term, California had as of May 13 sued the federal government 20 times, with many of the cases claiming his administration and federal agencies were usurping Congressional power.
—Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 28 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for usurp
Rania Abouzeid, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
During President Donald Trump’s second term, California had as of May 13 sued the federal government 20 times, with many of the cases claiming his administration and federal agencies were usurping Congressional power.
—Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 28 May 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for usurp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for usurp
Verb
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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
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Speakers at the conference, aimed at helping Republicans hold the House and Senate, seized on Mamdani’s win as a symbol of the Democratic Party’s hard-left turn, using it to paint the entire party with the same brush.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
27 June 2025
Verb
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The agents ultimately released him, but confiscated his driver’s license.—
Steven Greenhut,
Oc Register,
20 June 2025
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Most importantly, Johnson must support police Superintendent Larry Snelling’s request for the authority to call a snap curfew in emergencies and direct city agencies to confiscate vehicles and other personal property from those who engage in disruptive behavior.—
Paul Vallas,
Chicago Tribune,
11 June 2025
Verb
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This attack works through thousands of dangerous websites, stealing credit card or PayPal details as soon as they’re entered.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
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In a near-future Kolkata, ravaged by climate change, one family is about to escape, until their visas are stolen.—
Literary Hub
July 1,
Literary Hub,
1 July 2025
Verb
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Now, folks heading to Shenandoah National Park or beyond can grab some gas, hit the jerky wall, nab a Dr Pepper Icee, load up on fudge, use the famously clean bathrooms, and stock up on Buc-ee’s merch before heading back out on the road.—
Melissa Locker,
Southern Living,
30 June 2025
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My father seemed to crumple a little, shuddering, grabbing the edge of his desk to steady himself.—
Ottessa Moshfegh,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
Verb
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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
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Andy Robertson has occupied that position in the Liverpool lineup for the last eight years.—
Graham Ruthven,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
Verb
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Usurp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usurp. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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