Definitions

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

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

From Slate • Apr. 14, 2025

But although Black Americans have largely been the focus of state and national reparations efforts, Bradford said his eminent domain proposal applies to members of other racial groups as well.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2024

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

Can it be said that the right of eminent domain attaches to the mill or its owner?

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