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.

He added that it was too early to say how the Fisher Island parties will proceed with their lawsuit trying to block eminent domain.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

The board ended up directing the mayor to try to negotiate for the fuel facility, but didn’t immediately allow her to use eminent domain.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

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

The question whether the element of compensation is necessarily involved in the idea of eminent domain has in modern times aroused much controversy.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 3 "Electrostatics" to "Engis" by Various