Synonyms of usurpation

usurpation

noun

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• takeover
• appropriation
• seizure
• annexation
• invasion
• expropriation
• arrogation
• preemption
• theft
• misuse
• occupancy
• occupation
• commandeering
• confiscation
• infringement
• embezzlement
• grab
• encroachment
• detainer
• assumption
• peculation
• misapplication
• repossession
• misappropriation
• sequestration
• impoundment
• stripping
• defalcation
• looting
• pillaging
• piracy
• despoilment
• trespass
• attachment
• ejection
• dispossession
• preoccupancy
• disfurnishment
• deforcement

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of usurpation

Cathy’s ingratiation with, and eventual usurpation of, brothel owner Faye (Martha Plimpton) gets an entire episode. — Alison Herman, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026

Wasserman Schultz’s decision to run in the historically Black 20th Congressional District was selfish and opportunistic carpetbagging, a devastating usurpation of power from Black Floridians. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

The attempt of any of the parts to exercise it is usurpation. — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026

Those laws sought to alter the reporting structure for the secretary or the directors in violation of Amendment 33 of the Arkansas Constitution, which protects the vested powers of constitutional boards, like the Board of Corrections, from usurpation by the governor, the General Assembly or both. — Arkansas Online, 18 May 2026

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