eminent domain
noun
: a right of a government to take private property for public use by virtue of the superior dominion of the sovereign power over all lands within its jurisdiction
Examples of eminent domain in a Sentence
The state took the homes by eminent domain to build the new road.
Recent Examples on the Web
There's precedent for using eminent domain against homeowners along the Monon who resist government land-taking.
—
Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 3 July 2025
Like bike paths: State and local governments will still be able to use eminent domain for bike paths.
—Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025
According to the release, the National Park Service can only acquire the land through a donation or an exchange, with the service prohibited from using eminent domain to secure the land.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Residents challenged the city’s taking of homes in the West Baltimore neighborhood through eminent domain as unconstitutional.
—Lorraine Mirabella, Baltimore Sun, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for eminent domain
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.
Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 3 July 2025
Like bike paths: State and local governments will still be able to use eminent domain for bike paths.
—Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 3 July 2025
According to the release, the National Park Service can only acquire the land through a donation or an exchange, with the service prohibited from using eminent domain to secure the land.
—Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Residents challenged the city’s taking of homes in the West Baltimore neighborhood through eminent domain as unconstitutional.
—Lorraine Mirabella, Baltimore Sun, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for eminent domain
Cite this Entry
“Eminent domain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eminent%20domain. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share