Definitions

usurped

[yoo-surpt, -zurpt] / yuˈsɜrpt, -ˈzɜrpt /

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.

The later stages of the show highlight a few transitional designers whose work either shaped or anticipated the Midcentury Modernist movement that usurped Art Deco.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

In claiming power to give France a new constitution, Mr. Hardman notes, the assembly “had usurped the rights of the people as well as the king.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

The 42-year-old has only finished in the top 10 twice in 39 previous major appearances but his five-under 66 was the round of the day before Scheffler usurped him.

From BBC • May 17, 2025

Between 2010 and 2020, medical debt usurped nonmedical debt as the largest source of Americans’ debt in collections, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine.

From Salon • Dec. 10, 2024

Being pushed unceremoniously to one side—which was precisely what I wished—he usurped my place, and proceeded to accompany himself: for he could play as well as sing.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë