appropriation

noun

ap·​pro·​pri·​a·​tion ə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce appropriation (audio)
Synonyms of appropriationnext
1
: an act or instance of appropriating something
2
: something that has been appropriated
specifically : money set aside by formal action for a specific use
the city's appropriation for schools
appropriative adjective

Examples of appropriation in a Sentence

the appropriation of funds to repair the bridge The economy has been weakened by the appropriation of the country's resources by corrupt officials.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Many of the projects are supported by the State of Florida through appropriations or by university bonding and private donations. Florida International University, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026 Also stalled are appropriations for the State Department, a resolution commemorating the anniversary of the enactment of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, among other measures. Chad De Guzman, Time, 1 July 2026 As of fiscal year 2023, the agency employed more than 10,000 people and managed more than $40 billion in appropriations with assistance to about 130 countries. Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 For weeks, a GOP blockade has effectively prevented them from advancing key legislative items, including two appropriations bills this week, and would have threatened the passage of the annual defense bill. Lauren Green, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for appropriation

Word History

Etymology

see appropriate entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of appropriation was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Appropriation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appropriation. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

appropriation

noun
ap·​pro·​pri·​a·​tion ə-ˌprō-prē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce appropriation (audio)
1
: an act or instance of appropriating
2
: a sum of money appropriated for a specific use

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