EXPROPRIATE Synonyms: 61 Similar and Opposite Words

expropriate

verb

ek-ˈsprō-prē-ˌāt

Definition of expropriate

as in to seize

to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right dissidents were shot, and their lands expropriated under his regime

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to evict

to end the occupancy or possession of the state will have to expropriate scores of homeowners in order to build the new road

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to confiscate

to take ownership or control of (something) by right of one's authority plans by the city to expropriate entire blocks of houses in order to bulldoze them for expansion of the airport

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 expropriate Bozell also called for changing a land law that allows the South African government to expropriate land without compensation in some circumstances. — Michelle Gumede, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026 Much of that early ’Lo gear was boosted from department stores across the New York tristate Area, and ‘Lo Heads ran the risk of their own spoils being expropriated back home. — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2026 During that time, 11,278 properties were expropriated. — ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026 Gray says the project, revolving around an elderly woman seeking revenge on a foreign company that expropriated her land to build a luxury ski resort, offers international casting and co-producer angles but that the configuration will depend on Kawawada’s artistic vision. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for expropriate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for expropriate

Verb

The party has focused on driving down consumer costs, seizing on what polling shows is deep dissatisfaction about the economy and worries about affordability.

— Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who voted against the proposal in mid-June, voiced fears that the list of noncitizen voters would immediately be seized by federal immigration authorities.

— Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026

Definition of seize

Verb

In June, SouthPark Mall Limited Partnership filed to evict Aroma360 NC Sp LLC, a luxury scenting and retail store at SouthPark Mall at 4400 Sharon Road.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026
The number of weekly episodes was cut down from six to three, and the power to evict was placed in the hands of the houseguests, as opposed to a public vote.

— Rachel DeSantis, PEOPLE, 1 July 2026

Definition of evict

Verb

The agent confiscated the letter, carried by Cuban businessman Roberto Carlos Chamizo, and sent him back to Havana.

— Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Drone operators who violate the temporary flight restrictions could face fines of up to $100,000, have their equipment confiscated, and potentially face criminal charges, the FBI said.

— Dan Raby, CBS News, 30 June 2026

Definition of confiscate

Verb

Taylor's episode usurped the Not Gonna Lie host's prior appearances, and Kylie had no issues passing the baton.

— Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
However, the German has — 12 years after claiming the record from the Brazilian Ronaldo with his 16th World Cup goal — been usurped by Messi and, like so many before him, will have to settle for playing second fiddle to the 38-year-old Argentinian.

— Will Jeanes, New York Times, 22 June 2026

Definition of usurp

Verb

On two occasions, a Spanish player remained on the floor after being strongly dispossessed, with Uruguay fashioning chances for Nunez, reintroduced to the starting line-up as Bielsa’s only change after the Cape Verde draw.

— Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 28 June 2026
He was tackled and dispossessed with the ball on a trajectory to the goal.

— Monica Alba, NBC news, 24 June 2026

Definition of dispossess

Verb

Schieffelin, who played football last season because had used up his basketball eligibility, used his bulky frame to grab eight rebounds on an 11-point night.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
Once the excitement had died down, the team gathered in a circle and a player went up to Haaland, grabbed the back of his neck and kissed his cheek.

— Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 July 2026

Definition of grab

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expressways

expropriate

expropriated

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“Expropriate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expropriate. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of expropriate

verb

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