Synonyms of usurps

usurps

verb

present tense third-person singular of usurp

as in seizes

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

• seizes
• confiscates
• grabs
• steals
• occupies
• preempts
• appropriates
• arrogates
• converts
• invades
• commandeers
• assumes
• claims
• expropriates
• snatches
• annexes
• pirates
• attaches
• takes over
• presses
• encroaches
• repossesses
• loots
• grasps
• despoils
• sequesters
• impounds
• infringes
• wrests
• pillages
• preoccupies
• misuses
• misapplies
• embezzles
• misappropriates
• trespasses
• wrenches
• collars
• peculates

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of usurps

California courts have repeatedly refused to rewrite unconstitutional tax statutes on the grounds that this usurps the role of the Legislature or, in the case of an initiative, the people. — Jared Walczak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 July 2026

After witnessing Sinner miss 16 break points against the same opponent on Friday, Alcaraz would have been forgiven for worrying that something similar might happen to him — especially against arguably tennis’s greatest escape artist, at least until the Spaniard usurps him. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026

Jokic usurps Nurkic Jusuf Nurkic became Jokic’s first backup center in unceremonious fashion, getting benched by Michael Malone 25 games into his third season. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025