1
as in to understand
to have a clear idea of
a critic with a sharp intellect that is able to seize the most subtle nuances of a work of art
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to arrest
to take or keep under one's control by authority of law
seized the leaders of one of the city's major drug rings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to grab
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
seized the escaping balloon just before it got out of reach
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to confiscate
to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right
Richard III seized the English throne from his brother Edward in 1483
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of seize
The Thursday operation consisted of seizing documentary and digital evidence, which will be analyzed, the prosecutor’s office said.
—
Djenane Villanueva, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
The horns, smuggled from Angola, were seized, and the Vietnamese national involved was arrested.
—Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
The animals seized included 44 dogs, who were a combination of standard, miniature and toy poodles, and three cats.
—Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
By the time Megan seizes control of the reins at the film’s close, the abrupt denouement feels jarringly disconnected rather than organic to the storytelling.
—Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for seize
Djenane Villanueva, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
The horns, smuggled from Angola, were seized, and the Vietnamese national involved was arrested.
—Real-Time News Team, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
The animals seized included 44 dogs, who were a combination of standard, miniature and toy poodles, and three cats.
—Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
By the time Megan seizes control of the reins at the film’s close, the abrupt denouement feels jarringly disconnected rather than organic to the storytelling.
—Michael Rechtshaffen, HollywoodReporter, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for seize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seize
Verb
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Your smartphone's voice assistant struggles to understand your accent but works perfectly for others.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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While parenting responsibilities are widely understood and sometimes better supported in the workplace, senior care still has a long way to go, Zlotsky said.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Every Democratic politician must be arrested and the party banned under RICO [Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act].—
Chad de Guzman,
Time,
11 Sep. 2025
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Authorities arrested a man shortly after a bullet hit Kirk, Mason said during the news conference.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Video surveillance from the scene posted online by Fox 11 shows a man lingering near a doorway, quickly grabbing the gift box from a table and running out of the venue.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
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The owner wanted to keep the grab-and-go options previously offered in the space.—
La Risa R. Lynch,
jsonline.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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At a concurrent raid at the STUM’s headquarters, a dozen people in plain clothes, including the Shwe Pyi Thar ward administrator, were described as forcibly entering the office to confiscate laptops and cellphones.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Sourcing Journal,
11 Sep. 2025
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The victims had had their passports and phones confiscated.—
Christine Ro,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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With the big night almost here, here's what to know about the award ceremony and how to watch it.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
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Your wallet — and your customer service experience — will depend on knowing the difference.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Local sheriff's deputies later apprehended Routh on Interstate 95 at about Mile Marker 112 in Martin County, Treasure Coast Newspapers, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
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The trailer for the film teases that Perfidia was apprehended by law enforcement prior to the start of the movie's events, leaving Bob and Willa to go on the run and seek refuge with an ally, portrayed by Benicio del Toro.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Now, the Bears are close to catching back up, as the score is 27-24 at the time of this writing.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
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In February, more than 40 people were killed in southern Mexico when a bus traveling to Tabasco from the tourist city of Cancun hit a trailer truck and caught fire.—
Lizbeth Diaz,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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How can someone steal from you and simply get away with it?—
Jennifer Jolly,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
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Two innings later, Martin singled, stole second base and eventually scored the winning run in a ninth-inning comeback victory.—
Dan Hayes,
New York Times,
14 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Seize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seize. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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