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

Silverstein also represented Robert Blue, whose luggage store had become a target of eminent domain proceedings by the city’s redevelopment agency.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2025

Silverstein opened his own law office in 2005, taking on clients who were challenging eminent domain, the process used by government agencies to acquire private property from owners who are unwilling to sell.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 2, 2025

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

From Slate • Apr. 14, 2025

These roads were established by the power of eminent domain.

From The Railroad Question A historical and practical treatise on railroads, and remedies for their abuses by Larrabee, William