as in takeover
the unlawful taking or withholding of something from the rightful owner under a guise of authority
the unexpected usurpation of power by the government resulted in the townspeople revolting
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Recent Examples of usurpation
This is an ancient practice that continues into the Middle Ages called usurpation.
—
Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
The Court’s usurpation runs deeper than the invalidation of statutes with a liberal cast, though there has been plenty of that.
—Duncan Hosie, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026
As Isaac told it, his kingdom’s history is rife with treachery, usurpation, and murder.
—Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026
The Court’s usurpation runs deeper than the invalidation of statutes with a liberal cast, though there has been plenty of that.
—Duncan Hosie, The Atlantic, 13 Jan. 2026
As Isaac told it, his kingdom’s history is rife with treachery, usurpation, and murder.
—Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for usurpation
Noun
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But bragging about enjoying a hard shell taco nowadays is like showing up to a street takeover in a horse buggy.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
13 May 2026
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Months after the rumors first appeared, Brown-Forman has officially run out of potential takeover suitors.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
13 May 2026
Noun
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Every block grant, procurement cycle and appropriations process is a chance to embed outcome goals into how money leaves the door.—
Caroline Whistler,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
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Steube’s amendment to include in the military appropriations bill was rejected by a 333-to-80 vote of the entire House.—
Haris Alic,
The Washington Examiner,
15 May 2026
Noun
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José Antonio Cortes Huerta, 39, the leader of a cell affiliated with the Northeast Cartel, was arrested in Nuevo León, stemming from an investigation following the seizure of a boat in Tamaulipas, security minister Omar Garcia Harfuch said in a social media post.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 May 2026
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In real life, investigators made the seizure at the home of a gardening supply store owner suspected of taking part in a marijuana trafficking ring in 2016, according to the lawsuit.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
Noun
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Its annexation of East Jerusalem is not internationally recognized.—
Julia Frankel,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
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Israel advanced a bill on Tuesday that would expand Israeli civilian authority sweeping authority over antiquities and archaeology in the occupied West Bank, a move that human rights groups warned would lead to the annexation of the Palestinian territory.—
Tessa Solomon,
ARTnews.com,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Usurpation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usurpation. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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