Definition of divestnext
1
as in to evict
to end the occupancy or possession of unable to make their mortgage payments, they were summarily divested of their house

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2
3
as in to deprive
to take something away from he was divested of the boxing title when the fraud was uncovered

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 divest Skydance has no plans to divest any cable networks or merge its three TV studios — at least not yet. — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026 As Burberry’s fortunes improved, GUS began divesting the company, floating a minority stake on the London Stock Exchange in 2002 and completing its separation from Burberry in 2005. — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Oct. 2026 Failure to comply would require Skydance to divest several Paramount brands including BET (BET, BET Gospel, BET Her, BET Hip-Hop, BET Jams,and BET Soul), VH1, Comedy Central, Smithsonian, Destination America and Science. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 4 Oct. 2026 Thai Union ended up losing its entire Red Lobster stake, writing off its $530 million investment in the company and announcing its intent to divest the chain in January 2024. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for divest
Recent Examples of Synonyms for divest
Verb
  • In Spain, housing protests began in September after an 87-year-old woman, Maricarmen Abascal, was evicted following a 230% rent increase by an investment fund.
    — Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The land the tribe inhabited before being evicted is now divided among ranchers, government agencies and a conservation nonprofit.
    — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Zaylee Ovington and Kynslee Black, eighth grade students at the school, said they are relieved Simons has moved away from primarily using Chromebooks.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
  • This can involve releasing residual propellant, relieving pressure, and discharging or disconnecting batteries to reduce the risk of accidental explosions.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The Russian nighttime barrage hit 28 substations and other critical energy facilities, depriving more than a half-million people of electricity, heat and running water, Zelenskyy said on social media.
    — SAMYA KULLAB, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Disqualifying both lists would have deprived the vast majority of Palestinian voters of their preferred political representation.
    — Tamir Sorek, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Sveindis Jonsdottir capped the scoring in the 67th minute, dispossessing Tatumn Milazzo deep in Utah territory before rolling a shot past McGlynn’s right side.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Sveindís Jónsdóttir capped the scoring in the 67th minute, dispossessing Tatumn Milazzo deep in Utah territory before rolling a shot past McGlynn’s right side.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Airbnb guests can say goodbye to checkout chores like washing dishes, stripping beds and taking out the trash under a new policy announced this week.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The deception ultimately became the basis for a federal civil lawsuit seeking to strip her of citizenship.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • However, the team was ousted from the first round of the playoffs in six games thanks to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Sure, the company was going to lay off 1,000 employees, downsizing its product, tech, and legal departments, and was ousting its chief content officer, film chairman, and film vice president.
    — Charles Pulliam-Moore, The Verge, 23 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Divest.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/divest. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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