as in takeover
the unlawful taking or withholding of something from the rightful owner under a guise of authority
the unexpected usurpation of power by the government resulted in the townspeople revolting
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Recent Examples of usurpation
As Isaac told it, his kingdom’s history is rife with treachery, usurpation, and murder.
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Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for usurpation
Noun
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Juliette Pavy / Bloomberg via Getty Images Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that an American takeover of Greenland would mark the end of NATO.—
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As Hanan’s opening monologue suggests, the ensuing calamity has roots that stretch far back, not just to Israel’s initial takeover of Palestinian land but, also, in how the Hammads have internalized their fear and indignity.—
Noun
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Some Democrats in the House, where Republicans hold a razor-thin majority that has gotten narrower, have also said legislation for DHS appropriations should be used as leverage.—
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The appropriations package consists of three bills, which have received bipartisan support.—
Noun
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After the seizure, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt rejected Russian demands for special treatment of the Marinera’s crew during her regular briefing Wednesday.—
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The seizure struck Saturday afternoon.—
Noun
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Another resident, Carolyn Reeves, said not knowing if the annexation would bring in commercial or residential development raises suspicion.—
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What now is the difference between the United States attacking Venezuela in order to install new leadership and Russia invading Ukraine to effect annexation and leadership change?—
Cite this Entry
“Usurpation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/usurpation. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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