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
  • Encouraged by his son, Michael, Storch held talks over becoming a minority shareholder at Reading alongside fellow American Rob Couhig, before believing a full takeover of Cardiff City was possible following their relegation to League One.
    — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The United States has a particular responsibility to protect the Afghan women who worked with American institutions, in civil society organizations, or as human rights defenders before the Taliban takeover and have since left Afghanistan.
    — Rina Amiri, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of takeover
Noun
  • In the United States, these efforts should begin with a congressional appropriation of funds to refill and modernize the depleted Strategic Petroleum Reserve, now at its lowest level in nearly five decades.
    — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The Legislature’s two appropriation committees do not hold public votes before advancing or holding back measures on their desk.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of appropriation
Noun
  • The driver of the vehicle was arrested following the seizure of the stash of 369 kilograms (813 pounds) of cocaine on Wednesday, police said, but provided no explanation for the stickers with the image of the golden-haired Norwegian striker.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The driver of the vehicle was arrested following the seizure of the stash of 469 kilograms (1,034 pounds) of cocaine on Wednesday, police said in a statement.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of seizure
Noun
  • Benjamin Harrison’s policy of overseas expansion in search of foreign markets coincided with the desire of the white business class of Hawaii for annexation by the United States.
    — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Commissioners voted 4-1 to approve the annexation and rezoning, but denied the variances.
    — Emily McLeod, CBS News, 7 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 17 Aug. 2026.

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