as in to seize
to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right
the thoughtless teenagers had preempted front-row seats that were reserved for the guests of honor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 preempt
Rolling outages are planned by electric companies, and are often preempted with warnings.
—
Simmone Shah, Time, 24 June 2025
Two migrants who are living unlawfully in Florida, the Florida Immigrant Coalition and the Farmworker Association of Florida sued the attorney general and 20 state attorneys over the law, arguing that it is preempted by federal law and a violation of the Constitution.
—Melissa Quinn
june 23, CBS News, 23 June 2025
Still, some see the move by Erdogan as a sign the Israel-Iran war could trigger a new arms race in the region, with countries not directly involved in the fray ramping up their military efforts to preempt future conflicts.
—Arkansas Online, 21 June 2025
What the attack did preempt, however, was the next phase of the US-Iranian negotiations, which was scheduled to begin on Sunday.
—Connor Okeeffe, Oc Register, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for preempt
Simmone Shah, Time, 24 June 2025
Two migrants who are living unlawfully in Florida, the Florida Immigrant Coalition and the Farmworker Association of Florida sued the attorney general and 20 state attorneys over the law, arguing that it is preempted by federal law and a violation of the Constitution.
—Melissa Quinn
june 23, CBS News, 23 June 2025
Still, some see the move by Erdogan as a sign the Israel-Iran war could trigger a new arms race in the region, with countries not directly involved in the fray ramping up their military efforts to preempt future conflicts.
—Arkansas Online, 21 June 2025
What the attack did preempt, however, was the next phase of the US-Iranian negotiations, which was scheduled to begin on Sunday.
—Connor Okeeffe, Oc Register, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for preempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preempt
Verb
-
One media entrepreneur has already seized part of the Fyre opportunity.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
10 July 2025
-
Yemen’s war began when the Houthis seized Sanaa in 2014.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
Chinese leaders just haven’t marshaled the diplomatic and military muscle—still less the political will—to usurp America’s position as the world’s premier power.—
Michael Schuman,
The Atlantic,
6 July 2025
-
Season 2, after all, found Demi attempting to usurp Taylor Frankie Paul as the face of MomTok, trying (and failing) to turn the other women against her.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
3 July 2025
Verb
-
From 2022 through 2024, law enforcement officials in California confiscated 139,017 guns used in crimes with identifiable serial numbers, according to the DOJ’s crime guns report.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
12 July 2025
-
No charges have been pressed against Stone, but her family said her phone was confiscated.—
Joey Safchik,
NBC news,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
Order fish tacos or fresh salads at Bad Boy Burrito; grab at coffee at Cafe Moka; shop for clothing and gifts at Miss Monroe Boutique; and browse the open-air stalls at boo kee sue Botanics for handmade textiles, ceramics, and more.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
12 July 2025
-
To find your nearest 7-Eleven and grab a free Slurpee, search the store locator on 7-Eleven's website.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
How An Ocean Apart is different: The rebellious main character is secretly competing to break his heart and steal his money.—
Rebecca Dazenbaker,
People.com,
15 July 2025
-
Police are investigating after suitcases containing hard drives with unreleased Beyoncé music were stolen from her team’s rental car ahead of her tour stop in Atlanta.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
Although a trial is scheduled for December, and although NASCAR claims 23XI and Front Row won’t engage in meaningful settlement talks, the odds of the parties reaching a deal before trial remain more likely than not.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
15 July 2025
-
Beyoncé has now claimed dozens of wins on the roster throughout her career.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
This technology isn't just about converting thoughts into text.—
Staff,
FOXNews.com,
5 July 2025
-
In response to China's growing naval threat, Japan is converting two Izumo-class helicopter carriers—JS Izumo and JS Kaga—into aircraft carriers.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 July 2025
Verb
-
Interrogating the ways different myths occupy their own unique spaces establishes pathways into existences of literary immortality, offering prisms into the art of storytelling.—
Irenosen Okojie
July 11,
Literary Hub,
11 July 2025
-
Founded in 2006, the center had previously occupied a single, tiny room on the University Union’s first floor.—
Calista Oetama,
Sacbee.com,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preempt. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share