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
ə-ˈprō-prē-ˌā-tiv How to pronounce appropriation (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of appropriation

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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.
Then-Chief Deputy Attorney General John Guard and Florida Department of Health Chief of Staff Cassandra Pasley both signed the settlement agreement without working to ensure the proper appropriation of taxpayer money, the report said. — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 Shifting standards for originality Plagiarism can be defined as the appropriation of someone else’s words or ideas without acknowledgment or compensation. — Roger J. Kreuz, The Conversation, 21 Aug. 2026 The allegations include eight counts of grand theft by an employee and another eight for fraudulent appropriation. — Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 Instead of seeking a direct appropriation from Congress, the administration has secured funding through private donors and federal agencies, according to the Post. — Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 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

Phrases Containing appropriation

Rhymes for appropriation

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Browse Nearby Words

appropriate technology
appropriation
appropriative
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Cite this Entry

“Appropriation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/appropriation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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