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
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
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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The takeover offer, which would make Sunway the country’s biggest property and construction firm, has also sparked public criticism.—
Ian Sayson,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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The stunning claim came just a couple of hours after Trump left no room for anything less than a takeover of Greenland, fanning the flames of discord that allies feared could lead to the collapse of the Western alliance.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Senate Democrats will not provide the votes to proceed to the appropriations bill if the DHS funding bill is included.—
Patrick Maguire,
CBS News,
25 Jan. 2026
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While Senate Democrats were initially frustrated by the DHS bill, many still seemed inclined to vote for the entire appropriations package rather than risk a partial shutdown.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
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After the seizure, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt rejected Russian demands for special treatment of the Marinera’s crew during her regular briefing Wednesday.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
8 Jan. 2026
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The seizure struck Saturday afternoon.—
Scott Maxwell,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Development to be built over next 10 years The City Council unanimously approved the annexation and development plan with a time extension allowing it to be built out over roughly 10 years.—
Rose Evans
January 24,
Idaho Statesman,
24 Jan. 2026
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The annexation of the Virgin Islands More than a century ago, President Woodrow Wilson bought the islands, then called the Danish West Indies, from Denmark, for $25 million after threatening to take them with force.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
24 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Usurpation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usurpation. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.
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