appropriation

noun

ap·​pro·​pri·​a·​tion ə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce appropriation (audio)
Synonyms of appropriationnext
1
: an act or instance of appropriating something
2
: something that has been appropriated
specifically : money set aside by formal action for a specific use
the city's appropriation for schools
appropriative
ə-ˈprō-prē-ˌā-tiv How to pronounce appropriation (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of appropriation

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Examples of appropriation in a Sentence

the appropriation of funds to repair the bridge The economy has been weakened by the appropriation of the country's resources by corrupt officials.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The university said its administrators planned as if the State of Michigan appropriation would remain the same as last year. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 26 June 2026 Many of the projects are supported by the State of Florida through appropriations or by university bonding and private donations. — Florida International University, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 Bullard said meetings with the legislature will occur every 90 days and, if an unforeseen circumstance arises, the agency would have to enter into emergency appropriation conversations. — Jillian Taylor, StateImpact, 30 June 2026 For weeks, a GOP blockade has effectively prevented them from advancing key legislative items, including two appropriations bills this week, and would have threatened the passage of the annual defense bill. — Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for appropriation

Word History

Etymology

see appropriate entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of appropriation was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing appropriation

Rhymes for appropriation

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Browse Nearby Words

appropriate technology
appropriation
appropriative
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Cite this Entry

“Appropriation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appropriation. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

appropriation

noun
ap·​pro·​pri·​a·​tion ə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce appropriation (audio)
1
: an act or instance of appropriating
2
: a sum of money appropriated for a specific use

More from Merriam-Webster on appropriation

Nglish: Translation of appropriation for Spanish Speakers

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