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.

The Fisher Island Community Association, which represents property owners, and Fisher Island Club, a country club, sued Miami-Dade County in federal court in January to block the county from exercising eminent domain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

He added that it was too early to say how the Fisher Island parties will proceed with their lawsuit trying to block eminent domain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

Landowners in communities adjacent to the park are still gearing up to face eminent domain challenges from the federal government.

From Salon • May 25, 2026

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

From Slate • Apr. 14, 2025

While the courts in some of the states, Iowa included, have, by decisions, made this right of eminent domain attach to railroad companies, it cannot be supported on principle.

From Monopolies and the People by Cloud, D. C.