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 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

She called for the city to explore the use of eminent domain: having government acquire land or buildings, even if the property owner doesn’t want to sell.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2024

The power of eminent domain being an inherent element of sovereignty, it cannot be divested out of the State or abridged by contract or treaty so as to bind future legislatures.

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