eminent domain
noun
: a right of a government to take private property for public use by virtue of the superior dominion of the sovereign power over all lands within its jurisdiction
Examples of eminent domain in a Sentence
The state took the homes by eminent domain to build the new road.
Recent Examples on the Web
Evictions for residents began in the early 1950s, when city officials used political tactics like eminent domain to acquire land or forcibly remove tenants so developers could build public housing projects.
—
Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025
In a controversial 2005 decision, the Supreme Court expanded the use of eminent domain.
—Mackenzie Farkus, Christian Science Monitor, 23 Apr. 2025
In 1924, the city seized Bruce's Beach under eminent domain, ostensibly for a park but likely to dispossess the Black owners.
—Natalie Preddie, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2025
However, studies indicate the project could require the seizure of 30 or more homes through eminent domain.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for eminent domain
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Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025
In a controversial 2005 decision, the Supreme Court expanded the use of eminent domain.
—Mackenzie Farkus, Christian Science Monitor, 23 Apr. 2025
In 1924, the city seized Bruce's Beach under eminent domain, ostensibly for a park but likely to dispossess the Black owners.
—Natalie Preddie, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2025
However, studies indicate the project could require the seizure of 30 or more homes through eminent domain.
—Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for eminent domain
Cite this Entry
“Eminent domain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eminent%20domain. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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