ouster

noun

oust·​er ˈau̇-stər How to pronounce ouster (audio)
Synonyms of ousternext
1
a
: a wrongful dispossession
b
: a judgment removing an officer or depriving a corporation of a franchise
2
: expulsion
the ouster of the dictator

Examples of ouster in a Sentence

The news reported the ouster of the dictator. the dictator's ouster by the rebels
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.
Assad and his powerful younger brother, Maher, fled to Russia following the ouster. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026 While not universally successful, the Arab Spring did lead to the ouster of corrupt rulers, including Tunisia’s Pres. — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026 Other countries have also continued to call for Infantino's ouster, including the English Football Association. — Rafael Nam, NPR, 6 Aug. 2026 In the letter, one of Maurice’s top concerns was the ouster of the department’s former assistant director, Rachael Borrelli. — Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ouster

Word History

Etymology

Anglo-French, from oster, ouster to oust

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of ouster was in 1531

Browse Nearby Words

oust
ouster
out
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ouster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ouster. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ouster

noun
oust·​er ˈau̇s-tər How to pronounce ouster (audio)
: the act or an instance of ousting or being ousted

Legal Definition

ouster

noun
oust·​er ˈau̇s-tər How to pronounce ouster (audio)
1
: wrongful dispossession especially of a cotenant
2
: a judgment removing a public officer or depriving a corporation of a public franchise

More from Merriam-Webster on ouster

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ouster

Nglish: Translation of ouster for Spanish Speakers

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