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.

The Fisher Island Community Association, which represents property owners, and Fisher Island Club, a country club, sued Miami-Dade in federal court in January, seeking to block the county from exercising eminent domain.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 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

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

From Slate • Apr. 14, 2025

All this time, by hints and suggestions, Nature had been pushing the youth toward the field he was finally to occupy almost by right of eminent domain.

From Great Men and Famous Women. Vol. 6 A series of pen and pencil sketches of the lives of more than 200 of the most prominent personages in History by Horne, Charles F. (Charles Francis)