preempt

verb

prē-ˈem(p)t How to pronounce preempt (audio)
Definition of preemptnext
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

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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 preempt Lately, state lawmakers have also handed down laws preempting local ordinances on workplace safety, cruise ships, climate goals, fertilizer, naming of airports and painting sidewalks. — Nico Rivero, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026 The companies argue that the local claims are preempted by federal laws such as the Clean Air Act. — Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026 And fourth, when writing and passing the Clean Air Act, Congress specifically chose to preempt state regulations on emissions from new motor vehicles. — Patrick Parenteau, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026 The 6th Circuit also held that, even if sports event contracts count as swaps, the CEA does not preempt state gambling laws. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preempt
  1. seize
  2. usurp
  3. confiscate
  4. grab
  5. steal
  6. claim
  7. convert
  8. occupy
Verb
  • Oviedo also alleged that bundles of cash seized from an ambulance leaving Mariaca’s home in the city of Santa Cruz early Thursday were proceeds of extortion targeting people who sought help from prosecutors.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Azerbaijan has denied these allegations, but the country is a major oil supplier to Israel, which might be enough to push Tehran to try to seize Nakhichevan, an Azerbaijani exclave on the Iranian border.
    — Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of seize
Verb
  • But by the end of the movie, Verity is dead and her publishing empire has been usurped by her ghostwriter.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Murray said that in recent spending negotiations, Democrats fought to include language to prevent the administration from usurping Congress’ power on spending decisions, but Republicans have declined to go along.
    — Kevin Freking, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of usurp
Verb
  • York had a cellphone returned to him, but the $160 that police confiscated from him was given to the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force as part of the plea agreement.
    — Erick Mendoza, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026
  • York was arrested after responding to an online prostitution by the Miami Valley Human Trafficking Task Force, which confiscated his cellphone and $160 in cash.
    — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of confiscate
Verb
  • Two teenage suspects, ages 14 and 15, allegedly grabbed a necklace from the victim’s neck after walking by them, according to police.
    — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Or, just head down to one of the bars by the pool or grab a fresh juice.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of grab
Verb
  • And the other film is about a Jordanian farmer and the water loss in Jordan, because there’s a whole political situation going on with water being stolen by Israel.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Devin Jacob Ballard, 20, who is stationed at Futenma Air Station, on suspicion of strangling Anna Yagi, 39, at a hotel in the island's capital city, Naha, early Saturday and stealing her wallet and backpack.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of steal
Verb
  • Taiwan and China split after a civil war in 1949, but Beijing claims the island as part of its own territory.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
  • If the nightlife hasn’t got the better of you, rise early to claim the four-poster wooden daybed at ground level and order sushi from Seltz Champagne Bar.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of claim
Verb
  • The system generates electrical power and converts it into a highly concentrated beam.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The proposition is to connect China’s factories with its creator economy; Black Lake’s agents bridge the gap by converting ideas into designs, a 3D simulation, and industrial data sent to a factory.
    — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of convert
Verb
  • Expanding the Navy’s missile stockpile SM-6 occupies a key role in the Navy’s layered approach to air and missile defense.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The merchandising was reconsidered as well, with more open space, redesigned display cases and seating replacing cases that previously occupied the front windows.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of occupy

Browse Nearby Words

preeminent
preempt
preempted
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Cite this Entry

“Preempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preempt. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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