as in to seize
to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right
the thoughtless teenagers had preempted front-row seats that were reserved for the guests of honor
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 preempt
In addition, Levin said the 9th Circuit determined that FCC measures did not preempt states from separately taking action.
—
Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025
The suit also claims the law violates the Contracts Clause in the Constitution by voiding certain contracts that involve tenant-pays fee agreements and that it’s preempted by state law.
—Clio Chang, Curbed, 20 Dec. 2024
The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate had been expected to be arraigned Thursday on a state murder indictment in a killing that at once rattled the business community and galvanized some health insurance critics, but the federal charges preempted that appearance.
—Mark Scolforo, arkansasonline.com, 20 Dec. 2024
Given this, not cutting in December could be viewed as preempting the incoming administration’s fiscal or trade policy.
—Jesse Pound, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preempt 
Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2025
The suit also claims the law violates the Contracts Clause in the Constitution by voiding certain contracts that involve tenant-pays fee agreements and that it’s preempted by state law.
—Clio Chang, Curbed, 20 Dec. 2024
The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate had been expected to be arraigned Thursday on a state murder indictment in a killing that at once rattled the business community and galvanized some health insurance critics, but the federal charges preempted that appearance.
—Mark Scolforo, arkansasonline.com, 20 Dec. 2024
Given this, not cutting in December could be viewed as preempting the incoming administration’s fiscal or trade policy.
—Jesse Pound, CNBC, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for preempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preempt
Verb
-
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit seized 148 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, according to a statement the sheriff's office posted to Facebook.—
Julia Gomez,
USA TODAY,
17 Feb. 2025
-
Police then seized the remaining $1,600, which was returned to the victim after a property hearing Feb. 13.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The order usurps spending and legislative powers belonging exclusively to Congress, and seizes the States' historic police powers to regulate the practice of medicine in violation of the Tenth Amendment.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
14 Feb. 2025
-
We are once again forced to remind everyone, including the GOP members of Congress who are apparently happy to stand by and watch their own authority be usurped and consolidated, that the president is not a king.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
4 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
So detectives confiscated his pants and swabbed his back pocket in case the culprit left behind DNA.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
7 Feb. 2025
-
The South African Government has not confiscated any land.—
Kate Bartlett,
NPR,
7 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Then, almost missing the cue, Belushi stepped forward and grabbed the mic stand.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
17 Feb. 2025
-
Brendan Coyle made five 3-pointers and grabbed six rebounds.—
Staff And Wire Reports,
Hartford Courant,
16 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
An 18-year-old suspected of stealing $56,000 in jewelry from a San Carlos store in September 2024, along with two other people, was arrested this week.—
Stephanie Lam,
The Mercury News,
10 Feb. 2025
-
After White stole the spotlight for a quick stretch, Tatum dribbled to his right, squared his body in mid-air and drilled a long 3-pointer over Mikal Bridges to give Boston an 89-70 lead.—
Jay King,
The Athletic,
9 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Industry groups claim the spot doesn't adequately disclose safety risks of these drugs.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA TODAY,
10 Feb. 2025
-
According to the Guardian, Ticketmaster started the crackdown this weekend, with ticket buyers — many of whom claim to have legitimately purchased tickets — being informed over email that their tickets were being refunded.—
Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
9 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The property owners are asking that the Shell gasoline station’s full access on Ogden Falls Boulevard be converted to right-in, right-out, the median on the road be removed and the nearby access drive to their properties be granted full access, Leighty said.—
Linda Girardi,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2025
-
The previous Angels closer, Carlos Estévez, in his only full season with the Angels (2023), converted 31 of 35 chances.—
Justin Gest,
Newsweek,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Delle had set the glass on the floor, and was now occupying her hands by picking at her inky black manicure.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2025
-
The New Jersey site holds an 1836 stone house once occupied by a man who illustrated the Wizard of Oz books and stories.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA TODAY,
14 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near preempt
Cite this Entry
“Preempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preempt. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share