expropriation

noun

(ˌ)ek-ˌsprō-prē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce expropriation (audio)
Definition of expropriationnext
as in takeover
the unlawful taking or withholding of something from the rightful owner under a guise of authority the development of the colony involved expropriation of large tracts of fertile farmland from the natives

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 expropriation Lawyers for the groups argued Monday that the law violates the South African Constitution's protections of private property and prohibitions of expropriation of land without compensation. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 Put simply, this new deal consists of care in exchange for expropriation. — Literary Hub, 18 June 2026 In the wake of the protests, the Environmental Protection and Conservation Authority has denounced the lack of transparency in the projects, which were approved without public consultation and with sudden expropriations of land. — Marzio G. Mian, Vanity Fair, 16 June 2026 Geopolitical risk, unlike standard macroeconomic risk, specifically heightens expropriation risk. — Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, Forbes.com, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for expropriation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expropriation
  1. takeover
  2. appropriation
  3. seizure
  4. annexation
  5. usurpation
Noun
  • Goldman Sachs then led a lender takeover, stripping the lot from the real estate giant that had held it out as the crown jewel of its Hollywood portfolio.
    — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
  • In addition to security safeguards, Shield promises to reimburse up to $100,000 for regular users, and up to $500,000 for its highest class of VIP users, in the event of a third-party takeover.
    — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of takeover
Noun
  • The $1 million was included at Matsui’s request in the fiscal 2026 budget in January and became law April 30 as part of a congressional appropriations package.
    — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Those appropriations will need to be approved by the Maryland General Assembly and Baltimore County Council.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of appropriation
Noun
  • Those concentrates can be up to 13 times stronger than morphine, and users risk addiction, liver damage, and seizures— or worse.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Most government seizures are made through mail and express-courier services, rather than through shipping containers, and many of the shipments originate in China and Hong Kong.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of seizure
Noun
  • Overall, the feasibility study said the annexation area represents a logical extension of the city’s existing urban development pattern.
    — Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
  • In 2019, Prime Minister Netanyahu began referring to extending sovereignty over parts of the West Bank, or de jure annexation.
    — Dahlia Scheindlin, Time, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of annexation
Noun
  • Cathy’s ingratiation with, and eventual usurpation of, brothel owner Faye (Martha Plimpton) gets an entire episode.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Wasserman Schultz’s decision to run in the historically Black 20th Congressional District was selfish and opportunistic carpetbagging, a devastating usurpation of power from Black Floridians.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of usurpation

Browse Nearby Words

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expropriation
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Cite this Entry

“Expropriation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expropriation. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on expropriation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about expropriation

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