usurpation

noun

Definition of usurpationnext
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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of usurpation 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for usurpation
  1. takeover
  2. appropriation
  3. seizure
  4. annexation
Noun
  • Licata and Fort Worth ISD’s Board of Managers implemented the Elevate model for the district’s most struggling campuses shortly after they were appointed to their jobs by the Texas Education Agency as part of its takeover of the district.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Those conversations were spearheaded by headline events including the fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on the light rail in South End and teen takeovers.
    — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of takeover
Noun
  • Then-Chief Deputy Attorney General John Guard and Florida Department of Health Chief of Staff Cassandra Pasley both signed the settlement agreement without working to ensure the proper appropriation of taxpayer money, the report said.
    — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Shifting standards for originality Plagiarism can be defined as the appropriation of someone else’s words or ideas without acknowledgment or compensation.
    — Roger J. Kreuz, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of appropriation
Noun
  • The problem is, Isolde is very busy with work, so Ry is often left to herself with four alarms a day to take medication to prevent seizures.
    — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The column argues that Sheriff Chad Bianco’s seizure of more than 650,000 Proposition 50 ballots was an unprecedented intrusion into the election process that threatened the integrity of the vote and the chain of custody for ballots.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of seizure
Noun
  • With his property the subject of the annexation item and Minneola Mayor Pam Serviss forced to recuse herself due to a conflict of interest, only three council members voted on the item and approved it for annexation by 2-1 vote.
    — James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The United Nations and most of the international community consider the territory occupied Syrian land and do not recognize Israel’s annexation of it.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of annexation

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Usurpation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usurpation. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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