eminent domain

NOUN

governments right to acquire private property for public use

Synonyms

WEAK

angary divine right lawful authority legal authority legitimacy right of eminent domain rightful authority

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.

While it’s usually applied when the federal government exercises eminent domain and takes title to land, the takings clause also covers the government’s outright destruction of personal property.

From Slate • Feb. 4, 2026

The club was subjected to a complaint for condemnation, also known as eminent domain, which allows the city to take private property for public use, according to a report by The Times in 1958.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2025

As selectman, he threatens to co-opt it using eminent domain.

From Slate • Apr. 14, 2025

Lawmakers also passed bills to create a fund for reparations programs and compensate Black families for property that the government unjustly seized from them using eminent domain.

From Seattle Times • May 21, 2024

I say these people won’t know what eminent domain means.

From The Shepherd of the North by Maher, Richard Aumerle