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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of usurp
Asking Eric: The parents have usurped my joy in buying gifts for my grandchild
Tell him no more talk about past relationships, full stop.
—
R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025
The Biden Justice Department sued Texas, arguing that the state was usurping the powers of the federal government, and the case went to a federal appeals court.
—Jonathan Blitzer, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
From the dynastic Dupree family to the conniving social climbers bent on usurping their place at the top of the social hierarchy, the historic new daytime drama is all about its characters.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 7 Mar. 2025
If banks are not involved in the innovation of stablecoins then banks risk fintech companies completely usurping their role in the space.
—Gene A. Grant Ii, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for usurp
R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2025
The Biden Justice Department sued Texas, arguing that the state was usurping the powers of the federal government, and the case went to a federal appeals court.
—Jonathan Blitzer, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
From the dynastic Dupree family to the conniving social climbers bent on usurping their place at the top of the social hierarchy, the historic new daytime drama is all about its characters.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 7 Mar. 2025
If banks are not involved in the innovation of stablecoins then banks risk fintech companies completely usurping their role in the space.
—Gene A. Grant Ii, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for usurp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for usurp
Verb
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At that point, Hamas had emerged victorious in elections and seized power amid a violent rift with the PA's leading Fatah faction, still led by Arafat's successor, President Mahmoud Abbas.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Apr. 2025
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Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has been fighting a multi-front war against pro-democracy fighters and ethnic armed groups after seizing power in 2021, with credible and widespread reports of atrocities against the people.—
Ross Adkin,
CNN Money,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Then, in 2010, the bank where the chips were stored confiscated the chips after opening the deposit box.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr.,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2025
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The animals were confiscated and given to multiple wildlife agencies for care, according to the post.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Coop is fired from his high-profile finance job, starts stealing from his wealthy neighbors to keep up his lifestyle, chaos ensues, and get your popcorn ready.—
Danielle Pergament,
SELF,
10 Apr. 2025
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The biggest concern for cemetery board members is the bronze doors stolen from three mausoleums, which can be worth more than $10,000 per set.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Roberts grabbed eight boards vs. Gonzaga in the round of 32, 12 vs. Purdue in the Sweet 16 and 12 more vs. Duke in the Final Four.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
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In the footage, Combs, wearing a robe, is seen kicking Ventura, grabbing her by the hair and throwing her to the ground before grabbing her suitcase and handbag.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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A couple of Jacob's cowboys take position on the roof, Zane takes cover out front, Elizabeth arms herself with a shotgun inside, and Cara occupies a sniper perch with her husband's elk rifle.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
6 Apr. 2025
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Unlike classical computing, which processes information through bits that can exist in either zeros or ones, quantum computing is an evolving field where quantum bits (or qubits) can occupy both zero and one in a single unit.—
Rachel Curry,
CNBC,
6 Apr. 2025
Verb
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However, his time with the Patriots was brief—the team had drafted him with the intention of converting him to another position like defensive back or running back, position changes Gannon resisted.—
Omaid Homayun,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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The largest cause of deforestation is a lack of demand for forest products, which causes our forest to be converted to industrial, agricultural, residential uses.—
Rob Marciano,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Usurp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usurp. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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