Synonyms for usurp
yuˈsɜrp, -ˈzɜrpusurp

English Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:0.0 / 0 votes

1. usurp

   The distinctive idea of assume is to take by one's own independent volition, whether well or ill, rightfully or wrongfully. One may accept an obligation or assume an authority that properly belongs to him, or he may assume an obligation or indebtedness that could not be required of him. He may assume authority or office that is his right; if he assumes what does not belong to him, he is said to arrogate or usurp it. A man may usurp the substance of power in the most unpretending way; what he arrogates to himself he assumes with a haughty and overbearing manner. One assumes the robes or insignia of office by putting them on, with or without right. If he takes to himself the credit and appearance of qualities he does not possess, he is said to affect or feign, or to pretend to, the character he thus assumes. What a debater postulates he openly states and takes for granted without proof; what he assumes he may take for granted without mention. A favorite trick of the sophist is quietly to assume as true what would at once be challenged if expressly stated. What a man claims he asserts his right to take; what he assumes he takes.

   Synonyms:
   accept, affect, appropriate, arrogate, assume, claim, feign, postulate, presume, pretend, put on, take

Complete Dictionary of Synonyms and AntonymsRate these synonyms:3.3 / 8 votes

1. usurp

   Synonyms:
   seize, arrogate, appropriate, assume

   Antonyms:
   receive, inherit, accept

Princeton's WordNetRate these synonyms:2.4 / 10 votes

1. assume, usurp, seize, take over, arrogateverb

   seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession

   "He assumed to himself the right to fill all positions in the town"; "he usurped my rights"; "She seized control of the throne after her husband died"

   Synonyms:
   attach, sequester, capture, simulate, acquire, absorb, impound, don, put on, take, take for granted, lay claim, adopt, strike, borrow, get hold of, assume, prehend, relieve, take over, assign, repeat, claim, presume, arrogate, confiscate, get into, sham, seize, clutch, grab, buy up, appropriate, accept, take on, feign, wear, conquer, buy out, take up, bear

2. usurpverb

   take the place of

   "gloom had usurped mirth at the party after the news of the terrorist act broke"

   Synonyms:
   take over, arrogate, assume, seize

Matched Categories

1. • Supplant

Editors ContributionRate these synonyms:2.5 / 2 votes

1. identity theft

   to seize and hold (the power or rights of another, for example) by force or without legal authority

   since no one knew his twin brother was dead, he had no problem when he tried to usurp his brother’s extravagant lifestyle

   Submitted by acronimous on February 15, 2014  

Dictionary of English SynonymesRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. usurpverb

   Synonyms:
   seize (without right), arrogate, assume, appropriate unlawfully

Synonyms, Antonyms & Associated WordsRate these synonyms:5.0 / 1 vote

1. usurpverb

   Synonyms:
   arrogate, seize, appropriate, accroach

PPDB, the paraphrase databaseRate these paraphrases:0.0 / 0 votes

1. List of paraphrases for "usurp":

   prevaricate, encroach, arrogate, hijack

How to pronounce usurp?

How to say usurp in sign language?

Words popularity by usage frequency

How to use usurp in a sentence?

1. Jonathan Keller:

   Parents should be consulted before their minor children are given life-altering medical treatment, it's deeply concerning that the Legislature and the governor continue to usurp parental authority.

2. Thor Stacey:

   This was a case of the federal government overstepping and trying to usurp the state's authority to manage its wildlife.

3. Iain Overton:

   I call today the age of the suicide bomber. This is very much a time of extreme acts that have to, in a way, usurp the previous attacks, they have to be much more devastating, more impactful, more hurtful, to get as much media headlines as possible.

4. George Cardona:

   There is nothing more sacrosanct to our American democracy than free and fair elections and the peaceful transfer of power, the Notice of Disciplinary Charges alleges that Mr. Eastman violated this duty in furtherance of an attempt to usurp the will of the American people and overturn election results for the highest office in the land – an egregious and unprecedented attack on our democracy – for which he must be held accountable.

5. Paris Independent School District:

   The board believes the dress code can be used to mitigate communicable health issues, and therefore has amended the PISD dress code to protect our students and employees, the Texas governor does not have the authority to usurp the board of trustees' exclusive power and duty to govern and oversee the management of the public schools of the district.