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
The key is balance; usurping Guimaraes, Tonali and Joelinton is not going to be easy, but Miley has a great platform to take the next step in his career, steadily.
—
Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
She’s also amassed more than $9 million worth of real estate held in various trusts, owns multiple trademarks related to Belichick’s work, and may or may have usurped whatever autonomy Belichick once enjoyed.
—Bill Speros, Boston Herald, 25 June 2025
The administration hailed the ruling as a monumental check on the powers of individual district court judges, whom Trump supporters have argued want to usurp the president’s authority with rulings blocking his priorities around immigration and other matters.
—Tim Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025
The administration hailed the ruling as a monumental check on the powers of individual district court judges, whom Trump supporters have argued are usurping the president’s authority with rulings blocking his priorities on immigration and other matters.
—Tim Sullivan, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for usurp
Harry De Cosemo, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
She’s also amassed more than $9 million worth of real estate held in various trusts, owns multiple trademarks related to Belichick’s work, and may or may have usurped whatever autonomy Belichick once enjoyed.
—Bill Speros, Boston Herald, 25 June 2025
The administration hailed the ruling as a monumental check on the powers of individual district court judges, whom Trump supporters have argued want to usurp the president’s authority with rulings blocking his priorities around immigration and other matters.
—Tim Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2025
The administration hailed the ruling as a monumental check on the powers of individual district court judges, whom Trump supporters have argued are usurping the president’s authority with rulings blocking his priorities on immigration and other matters.
—Tim Sullivan, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for usurp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for usurp
Verb
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One media entrepreneur has already seized part of the Fyre opportunity.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
10 July 2025
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Yemen’s war began when the Houthis seized Sanaa in 2014.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
10 July 2025
Verb
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From 2022 through 2024, law enforcement officials in California confiscated 139,017 guns used in crimes with identifiable serial numbers, according to the DOJ’s crime guns report.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
12 July 2025
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No charges have been pressed against Stone, but her family said her phone was confiscated.—
Joey Safchik,
NBC news,
10 July 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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Order fish tacos or fresh salads at Bad Boy Burrito; grab at coffee at Cafe Moka; shop for clothing and gifts at Miss Monroe Boutique; and browse the open-air stalls at boo kee sue Botanics for handmade textiles, ceramics, and more.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
12 July 2025
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Pick up seasonal staples like this breezy maxi dress and these Crocs recovery slides to comfortably beat the heat, or grab year-round closet staples like these classic Levi’s jeans and this timeless button-down shirt by Gap.—
Clara McMahon,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
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Interrogating the ways different myths occupy their own unique spaces establishes pathways into existences of literary immortality, offering prisms into the art of storytelling.—
Irenosen Okojie
July 11,
Literary Hub,
11 July 2025
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Founded in 2006, the center had previously occupied a single, tiny room on the University Union’s first floor.—
Calista Oetama,
Sacbee.com,
11 July 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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In response to China's growing naval threat, Japan is converting two Izumo-class helicopter carriers—JS Izumo and JS Kaga—into aircraft carriers.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Usurp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usurp. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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