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Definitions

usurp

[yoo-surp, -zurp] / yuˈsɜrp, -ˈzɜrp /
VERB
take over
Synonyms
STRONGEST
annex preempt supplant wrest
STRONG
appropriate arrogate assume commandeer displace grab highjack seize swipe take
WEAK
accroach barge in butt in clap hands on cut out elbow in get hands on grab hold of infringe upon lay hold of muscle in squeeze in work in worm in
Antonyms
STRONG
give keep leave let go offer refuse reject release
WEAK
give in relinquish surrender

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Tuesday's latest reverse meant Celtic missed the chance to usurp Hearts at the top of the table.

From Barron's • Dec. 31, 2025

The novel echoes thinkers like Hannah Arendt in pointing out how true-believing functionaries, the butt of ridicule in “normal” times, can help subsume all reason and decency to usurp a compliant and too-comfortable ruling class.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

Oh please, I said, he has zero history of fearing to usurp judicial authority.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

Defending champion Littler, who will usurp Luke Humphries at the top of the rankings if he reaches the final in Wolverhampton, averaged 105.18 in a 16-12 victory.

From BBC • Nov. 15, 2025

“Right. So how are you going to usurp Erudite?”

From "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth