Definitions

usurp

[yoo-surp, -zurp] / yuˈsɜrp, -ˈzɜrp /

VERB

take over

Synonyms

STRONGEST

annex preempt supplant wrest

STRONG

appropriate arrogate assume commandeer displace grab highjack seize swipe take

WEAK

accroach barge in butt in clap hands on cut out elbow in get hands on grab hold of infringe upon lay hold of muscle in squeeze in work in worm in

Antonyms

STRONG

give keep leave let go offer refuse reject release

WEAK

give in relinquish surrender

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.

But I was just trying to find a way for Jonesy and Cookie to play — we weren’t thinking about trying to usurp Johnny or anything like that.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

Kingsbury, the Olympic champion from Pyeongchang 2018, produced a storming run to usurp the high-flying Horishima and take top spot with just Cooper to go.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

This appears to be a fraud attempt to usurp your authority as CEO.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

Now, a god cannot usurp another god’s symbol of power directly—that is forbidden by the most ancient of divine laws.

From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan

Vocabulary lists containing usurp

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List 3

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