as in to seize
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
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Recent Examples of usurp
The process being proposed in House Bill 5089 usurps two levels of local control, Keller school board Vice President John Birt told lawmakers: School boards and county commissioners.
—
Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2025
Wing-backs James McClean and Ryan Barnett were first choice for much of the campaign before January arrival Ryan Longman eventually usurped Barnett down the right flank.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 9 May 2025
After years of gradually usurping many forms of legacy media, podcasts are set to get their flowers on one of Hollywood’s biggest nights.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 May 2025
David Caruso infamously quit NYPD Blue after the first season to pursue movie stardom that never came; that show did fine without him, in part because replacement Jimmy Smits was so good, but mainly because Caruso had by that point already been usurped in fans’ hearts by co-star Dennis Franz.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for usurp
Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2025
Wing-backs James McClean and Ryan Barnett were first choice for much of the campaign before January arrival Ryan Longman eventually usurped Barnett down the right flank.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 9 May 2025
After years of gradually usurping many forms of legacy media, podcasts are set to get their flowers on one of Hollywood’s biggest nights.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 7 May 2025
David Caruso infamously quit NYPD Blue after the first season to pursue movie stardom that never came; that show did fine without him, in part because replacement Jimmy Smits was so good, but mainly because Caruso had by that point already been usurped in fans’ hearts by co-star Dennis Franz.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 21 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for usurp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for usurp
Verb
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But is Simone now the villain – or simply someone with a tough upbringing who seized an opportunity to secure her future?—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
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Israel imposed a blockade on all supplies entering Gaza in March, saying Hamas was seizing supplies meant for civilians - a charge the group denies.—
Nidal al-Mughrabi,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Provincial Police confiscated the 1964 Iso Rivolta Grifo A3 Stradale, entered in the Concorso by Thomas Shannon, after allegedly stopping its American driver on the streets of Cernobbio without an International Driving Permit.—
Michael Taylor,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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Police confiscated guns, heroin, cocaine and $19,000 in cash when executing a search warrant.—
Meredith Colias-Pete,
Chicago Tribune,
20 May 2025
Verb
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Sophomore infielder Luke Nixon was responsible for half of them, stealing 14 in 16 attempts.—
Mitch Light,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
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With Taylor Moton, Brady Christensen and Yosh Nijman all set to become free agents in 2026, Tarquin has a prime opportunity to steal a spot with his youthful (read: cheap) outlook.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
28 May 2025
Verb
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In the morning, the restaurant doubles as a coffee shop where guests can grab drip coffee, fresh juices, and a small selection of hot and cold breakfast options, including the beloved Hawaiian classic, Loco Moco.—
Jalyn Robinson,
Travel + Leisure,
25 May 2025
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The colorful bar framed in bright neon lights is on the main concourse, so people walking by can grab a drink and head to the casino or other favorite activity, Allen said.—
Pamela McLoughlin,
Hartford Courant,
24 May 2025
Verb
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The Industrialist Facing the Barclays Center, The Industrialist occupies a four-story warehouse reimagined as an artist's sanctuary.—
Malik Peay,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
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One notable holdover from the prior films is providing a thread of lesbian desire, though Megan’s unrequited pining for Lori occupies a more marginal place in the narrative this time around.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Entering the final year of his three-year contract with the New Jersey Devils, Haula’s full no-trade protection will convert to a six-team no-trade clause on July 1.—
Harman Dayal,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
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Months after the expose ran in late 2023, Brand also converted to Christianity and has been outspoken about his new faith.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
30 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Usurp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usurp. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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