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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of preempt
In the aftermath of Appomattox, ex-Confederates moved quickly, using propaganda, fraud, and terrorism, to preempt Black freedom and impose a system akin to slavery.
—
Made By History, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
Duffy opened the press conference by calling President Donald Trump and placing him on speakerphone — only for Trump to preempt the announcement by unveiling the plan.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 8 May 2025
However, Brailsford wrote in court documents that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on their claim that federal law preempts Idaho’s state law on immigration enforcement.
—Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 30 Apr. 2025
In both cases, the central legal issue is preemption, meaning whether Congress has preempted states from using state laws–including sports betting ones–to regulate a business or activity.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preempt
Made By History, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
Duffy opened the press conference by calling President Donald Trump and placing him on speakerphone — only for Trump to preempt the announcement by unveiling the plan.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 8 May 2025
However, Brailsford wrote in court documents that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on their claim that federal law preempts Idaho’s state law on immigration enforcement.
—Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 30 Apr. 2025
In both cases, the central legal issue is preemption, meaning whether Congress has preempted states from using state laws–including sports betting ones–to regulate a business or activity.
—Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for preempt
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preempt
Verb
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But is Simone now the villain – or simply someone with a tough upbringing who seized an opportunity to secure her future?—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
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Israel imposed a blockade on all supplies entering Gaza in March, saying Hamas was seizing supplies meant for civilians - a charge the group denies.—
Nidal al-Mughrabi,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
Verb
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None of this bodes well for Vance’s argument that judges are trying to usurp the role of American voters.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
25 May 2025
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Pitney Bowes is now on its fourth CEO in three years, with the activist investor that started it all usurping the head of the table.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Provincial Police confiscated the 1964 Iso Rivolta Grifo A3 Stradale, entered in the Concorso by Thomas Shannon, after allegedly stopping its American driver on the streets of Cernobbio without an International Driving Permit.—
Michael Taylor,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2025
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Police confiscated guns, heroin, cocaine and $19,000 in cash when executing a search warrant.—
Meredith Colias-Pete,
Chicago Tribune,
20 May 2025
Verb
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In the morning, the restaurant doubles as a coffee shop where guests can grab drip coffee, fresh juices, and a small selection of hot and cold breakfast options, including the beloved Hawaiian classic, Loco Moco.—
Jalyn Robinson,
Travel + Leisure,
25 May 2025
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The colorful bar framed in bright neon lights is on the main concourse, so people walking by can grab a drink and head to the casino or other favorite activity, Allen said.—
Pamela McLoughlin,
Hartford Courant,
24 May 2025
Verb
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Sophomore infielder Luke Nixon was responsible for half of them, stealing 14 in 16 attempts.—
Mitch Light,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
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One night, a couple of intruders beat Rob up and steal Apple.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
28 May 2025
Verb
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Andrew is also facing a separate civil suit by four British women, who accused him of rape and physical abuse and claimed police and prosecutors failed them by not pursuing criminal charges years ago.—
Mya Abraham,
VIBE.com,
29 May 2025
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Trump has also attacked several elite universities — particularly Columbia and Harvard — promising to cut funding by claiming the schools aren’t doing enough to fight antisemitism on campus.—
Joseph Wilkinson,
New York Daily News,
29 May 2025
Verb
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Scheffler has now successfully converted his first three 54-hole leads or co-leads in majors, something done only nine other times in the modern era.—
Justin Ray,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
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Apple and Google have also made efforts to remove AI services that convert clothed images into manipulated nude ones from their app stores and search results.—
Clare Duffy,
CNN Money,
19 May 2025
Verb
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The Industrialist Facing the Barclays Center, The Industrialist occupies a four-story warehouse reimagined as an artist's sanctuary.—
Malik Peay,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
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But in 1943, the Germans occupied Athens and began deporting Jews.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Preempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preempt. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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