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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Yemen’s war began when the Houthis seized Sanaa in 2014.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
10 July 2025
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One media entrepreneur has already seized part of the Fyre opportunity.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
10 July 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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One four-person crew in a 24-foot open-bow MasterCraft grabbed their life jackets, wisely abandoned the boat and swam to shore.—
George Skelton,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2025
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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
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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This technology isn't just about converting thoughts into text.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
5 July 2025
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She’s even converted a Capitol office cubby into a personal vanity, with full makeup kits both there and at home.—
Tira Urquhart,
Essence,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Usurp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usurp. Accessed 13 Jul. 2025.
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