intercept

verb

ˌin-tər-ˈsept How to pronounce intercept (audio)
Definition of interceptnext
as in to grab
to stop, seize, or interrupt while in progress or on course the cat was about to hightail it out the front door when I intercepted her

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of intercept As a senior at Kansas in 1979, Irvin intercepted five passes and led the Big Eight with 27 punt returns for 321 yards and two touchdowns. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026 The Ukrainian Defense Ministry said on Friday that more than 90% of cruise missiles and 90% of Shahed-type strike drones were intercepted during the attack. — Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 3 July 2026 Modern Abrams variants increasingly field the Trophy Active Protection System, designed to intercept incoming anti-tank rockets and missiles before impact. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026 Zabrisky added that intercepted communications and witness accounts suggest Russian drone operators are regularly rotated through Kherson and nearby areas, although those claims have not been independently verified. — David Kirichenko, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for intercept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intercept
  1. grab
  2. capture
  3. block
  4. catch
  5. interdict
Verb
  • Schieffelin, who played football last season because had used up his basketball eligibility, used his bulky frame to grab eight rebounds on an 11-point night.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
  • Once the excitement had died down, the team gathered in a circle and a player went up to Haaland, grabbed the back of his neck and kissed his cheek.
    — Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 July 2026
Definition of grab
Verb
  • Twin brothers Mike and Bob Bryan capture their fourth straight major with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Ivan Dodig and Marcelo Melo at Wimbledon.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Surveillance cameras captured a person dressed in dark clothing on a nearby roof overlooking the courtyard less than ten minutes before the killing, prosecutors said in charging documents.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Definition of capture
Verb
  • In March, the administration filed a new lawsuit again trying to block California’s ability to set stricter-than-federal emissions standards for cars.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Rodríguez denied those claims, saying some remote areas were difficult to reach because roads were blocked by landslides and debris, forcing authorities to rely on motorcycles, drones and satellite imagery.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Definition of block
Verb
  • One villager had been bitten and is being treated in hospital, while a dozen locals had formed a team to catch the snakes, the Hongxing report said.
    — Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
  • But the rally ended when Hernández’s liner up the middle landed in the glove of Rockies right-hander Jimmy Herget, who just entered the game, catching Kyle Tucker off first base for a double play.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Definition of catch
Verb
  • By using drones to interdict supply lines from a distance, Ukrainian forces can impose the effects of a siege without physically encircling a city, redefining how an opponent can be isolated in modern warfare.
    — Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026
  • Their job was to board the trains going from Germany to Austria at random to interdict drugs, illicit money, and criminals.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
Definition of interdict

Browse Nearby Words

interceding
intercept
intercepted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intercept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intercept. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on intercept

Nglish: Translation of intercept for Spanish Speakers

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