expropriation

noun

ex·​pro·​pri·​a·​tion (ˌ)ek-ˌsprō-prē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce expropriation (audio)
Synonyms of expropriationnext
: the act of expropriating or the state of being expropriated
specifically : the action of the state in taking or modifying the property rights of an individual (as by eminent domain) in the exercise of its sovereignty

Synonyms of expropriation

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Examples of expropriation in a Sentence

the development of the colony involved expropriation of large tracts of fertile farmland from the natives
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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.
Put simply, this new deal consists of care in exchange for expropriation. — Literary Hub, 18 June 2026 Palmer Luckey, same thing—equating property expropriation with democracy. — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2026 Uncompensated seizure under the land-expropriation law can only be pursued under narrow circumstances—when land is unused or has been abandoned, for example—and the program seemingly has yet to seize any property. — Boyce Upholt, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026 Malema heads the Economic Freedom Fighters, which advocates for the expropriation of mines, banks and land, and is notorious for starting brawls in parliament. — Jonathan Tirone, Bloomberg, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for expropriation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of expropriation was in the 15th century

Rhymes for expropriation

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Expropriation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expropriation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on expropriation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about expropriation

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