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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In late March a teen takeover in Hyde Park turned destructive, badly damaging cars.—
Sara Tenenbaum,
CBS News,
20 May 2026
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Licata began leading the FWISD March 24, when the Texas Education Agency appointed him as superintendent as part of a state takeover of thel district.—
Ciara McCarthy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 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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Both contracts gained more than 7% last week as hopes of a peace deal that would end ship attacks and seizures around the Strait of Hormuz dimmed.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
18 May 2026
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That transparency became especially important after Gijon experienced seizure symptoms while teaching during her third year in the classroom in 2017.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
18 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 21 May. 2026.
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