expropriation

noun

(ˌ)ek-ˌsprō-prē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce expropriation (audio)
Definition of expropriationnext
as in takeover
the unlawful taking or withholding of something from the rightful owner under a guise of authority the development of the colony involved expropriation of large tracts of fertile farmland from the natives

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 expropriation Lawyers for the groups argued Monday that the law violates the South African Constitution's protections of private property and prohibitions of expropriation of land without compensation. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026 Put simply, this new deal consists of care in exchange for expropriation. — Literary Hub, 18 June 2026 In the wake of the protests, the Environmental Protection and Conservation Authority has denounced the lack of transparency in the projects, which were approved without public consultation and with sudden expropriations of land. — Marzio G. Mian, Vanity Fair, 16 June 2026 Geopolitical risk, unlike standard macroeconomic risk, specifically heightens expropriation risk. — Mayra Rodriguez Valladares, Forbes.com, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for expropriation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for expropriation
  1. takeover
  2. appropriation
  3. seizure
  4. annexation
  5. usurpation
Noun
  • In Frisco, Texas, opposition to Hindu temples and a mosque fueled claims of an Indian takeover, and a protester tore apart an Indian flag near City Hall.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath, who Abbott appointed, announced the takeover October 2025, after a school that had since been closed received five consecutive failing scores in Texas’ A-F accountability ratings.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of takeover
Noun
  • The deal, however, remains subject to congressional authorization and appropriations.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
  • This is not a request for an additional appropriation from Maryland’s education budget.
    — Claudia Nachtigal, Baltimore Sun, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of appropriation
Noun
  • On April 13, 2021—the day after Lanitis died—the Appenzell Ausserrhoden prosecutor’s office ordered the seizure of relevant records and called for an autopsy, which revealed that Lanitis had died of multiple organ failure.
    — D. T. Max, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
  • This comes amid a surge of violence and land seizures by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
    — Ruth Sherlock, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of seizure
Noun
  • Netanyahu’s hard-right coalition partners frequently call for the West Bank’s annexation and the dissolution of the Palestinian Authority in the territory.
    — Gerry Shih, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Yolo County voters approved annexation into SMUD’s service territory but rejected a separate measure to switch electricity providers by just 10 votes.
    — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of annexation
Noun
  • Cathy’s ingratiation with, and eventual usurpation of, brothel owner Faye (Martha Plimpton) gets an entire episode.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Wasserman Schultz’s decision to run in the historically Black 20th Congressional District was selfish and opportunistic carpetbagging, a devastating usurpation of power from Black Floridians.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of usurpation

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Cite this Entry

“Expropriation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/expropriation. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on expropriation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about expropriation

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