Thesaurus results for USURPED

usurped

verb

past tense of usurp

as in seized

to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right the mayor usurped the school board's authority when he fired the principal

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 usurped Though its glam environs were eventually usurped by Hawaii’s many newer luxury resorts, an extensive renovation in 2008 gave the Mauna Kea an update without sacrificing its throwback charm. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 May 2026 After opting against pursuing a deal for Mike Maignan last summer, Chelsea have stuck with Robert Sanchez as No 1 — bar a brief spell where Filip Jorgensen usurped him in March. —

Cerys Jones, New York Times, 21 May 2026 That could impact the situation of Clarke, who outplayed Doughty and usurped his former position on the power play but logged fewer minutes at right defense just the same. —

Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 2 May 2026 Vodka had overtaken gin in popularity by 1967, but by 2000 had fully usurped it, like Claudius to King Hamlet—occupied its position, married its wife, and taken control of its lands. —

Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2026 In other words, the apparatus that became the modern movie camera, up until digital technology usurped the role that film cameras played in capturing the first 100 years of filmmaking. —

Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2026 Most of those lands were eventually usurped for European farming and their inhabitants dispersed. —

Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Mar. 2026 The table by the front door was entirely usurped by leashes, harnesses, collars, assorted car seat belts and, of course, poop bags. —

Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026 But streaming has usurped DVR use as a way to watch TV after the fact and is now the path to big audiences for network shows. —

Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 5 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for usurped

Verb

Liliana Escobar made sure the Lions seized it.

— Dan Albano, Oc Register, 30 May 2026
During the search, police said investigators allegedly seized 30 grams worth of fentanyl pills, 12 grams of crack cocaine, several digital scales, a BB gun, and two 9mm rounds of ammunition.

— Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2026