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.

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

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

“For those that refused to leave, eminent domain was used to remove them.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2024

Commentaries on American Law": "The right of eminent domain, or inherent sovereign power, gives to the legislature the control of private property for public uses, and for public uses only....

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