preempt

verb

prē-ˈem(p)t How to pronounce preempt (audio)
Definition of preemptnext
as in to seize
to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right the thoughtless teenagers had preempted front-row seats that were reserved for the guests of honor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of preempt DeSantis added that his proposal would also preempt municipalities from banning boats fueled by gasoline or diesel from operating in local waters. — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2025 Smart business leaders should preempt that reality by carefully considering their reliance on Musk's ventures. — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025 That Monday, the show will be preempted for the inauguration of Donald Trump. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2025 That’s according to local TV outlets, all of which preempted regular coverage to focus on the conflagration. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for preempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preempt
  1. seize
  2. usurp
  3. confiscate
  4. grab
  5. steal
  6. claim
  7. convert
  8. occupy
Verb
  • Trump’s executive order about seized bitcoin mostly stayed within executive purview, but bigger moves will demand broader buy-in.
    — Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • In turn, Trump imposed double-digit tariffs against each nation until the amount of fentanyl being seized at the nation’s border drops to next to nothing.
    — Anna Giaritelli, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of seize
Verb
  • If banks are not involved in the innovation of stablecoins then banks risk fintech companies completely usurping their role in the space.
    — Gene A. Grant II, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The band will perform a total of 44 concerts, usurping Bruce Springsteen’s record of 42, according to a press release.
    — Mankaprr Conteh, Rolling Stone, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of usurp
Verb
  • This comes after authorities confiscated a deer that a Pennsylvania woman had been keeping as a pet earlier this year, as previously reported by PEOPLE.
    — Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Others believe that their children are entitled to a decent lunch and complain when schools confiscate their child's food after ordering in.
    — Annabelle Canela, Parents, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of confiscate
Verb
  • He’s minimized the walks, partly due to his willingness to use his curveball early in counts for strikes to get ahead and grab count leverage.
    — Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • To help balance his budget, the governor wants to grab roughly $300 million from the $10 billion climate bond approved overwhelmingly by voters in November.
    — George Skelton, The Mercury News, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of grab
Verb
  • The Bucs need more daredevil defenders who can wheel and steal the football.
    — Rick Stroud, Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2025
  • González and Machado became the top leaders of the opposition in the months leading to last year’s presidential election, which the vast majority of Venezuelans and a large number of countries, including the United States, believed Maduro stole from González through fraud.
    — Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of steal
Verb
  • Smash burgers are popular at bars, and many claim to do it best.
    — Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Auburn claimed the No. 1 overall seed in the men’s bracket, while UCLA secured the top spot for the women’s.
    — Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of claim
Verb
  • Over centuries, bacteria broke down ammonia in guano, converting it into nitrates that accumulated in cave soil.
    — Scott Travers, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Colorado’s top unit was in the middle of heading to the bench for a change, and that led to a very unexpected shorthanded 2-on-1 that Leafs forward Steven Lorentz converted at 2:53 of the final period.
    — Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of convert
Verb
  • Columbia University said students who occupied the campus' Hamilton Hall during pro-Palestinian protests last spring have been expelled, suspended for several years or had their degrees temporarily revoked.
    — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2025
  • But people who occupy public spaces thinking that kids won't be a part of it are beyond me.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of occupy

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“Preempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preempt. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of preempt for Spanish Speakers

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