1
as in to arrest
to take or keep under one's control by authority of law
the officer nabbed the purse snatcher before he could escape
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to grab
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
a pickpocket nabbed my wallet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nab
With both teams locked into a 1-1 tie, the winner of tonight's game will still need to nab two more victories to head into the Western Conference Finals.
—
Jason Cohen, PC Magazine, 8 May 2026
And another launch upstart, Rocket Lab, is trying to nab smaller launch contracts that previously would have gone to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 with its own Electron and soon-to-debut Neutron rockets.
—Ramin Skibba, Scientific American, 4 May 2026
The series nabbed the actress two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, as well as multiple other nominations.
—Sara Belcher, PEOPLE, 3 May 2026
Crowds started piling onto the beach Saturday morning to nab a good spot for the show.
—CBS News, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for nab
Jason Cohen, PC Magazine, 8 May 2026
And another launch upstart, Rocket Lab, is trying to nab smaller launch contracts that previously would have gone to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 with its own Electron and soon-to-debut Neutron rockets.
—Ramin Skibba, Scientific American, 4 May 2026
The series nabbed the actress two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, as well as multiple other nominations.
—Sara Belcher, PEOPLE, 3 May 2026
Crowds started piling onto the beach Saturday morning to nab a good spot for the show.
—CBS News, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for nab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nab
Verb
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On the topic of arresting homeless people, moderators asked how Bianco's sheriff's office has been known to do.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
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Dulce Dayana Hernandez Jimenez, 28, was arrested Tuesday at JFK Airport after a flight from Mexico, police said.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Denise ascended the stairs, yelling at Djena all the way up, then grabbed Djena by the collar and began hitting her.—
Yudhijit Bhattacharjee,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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To make one, grab a clean, thick sock (preferably a larger one) and fill it with uncooked rice, oats, or flaxseed.—
Caroline Lubinsky,
Martha Stewart,
18 May 2026
Verb
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Photograph courtesy Jennifer Hulse Israel seized control of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank during the Six-Day War, in 1967.—
Clayton Dalton,
New Yorker,
15 May 2026
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Bianco obtained three search warrants and began seizing ballots in February, despite being ordered by Attorney General Rob Bonta to pause the investigation.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Mauricio Dubón delivered the big blow on another Maton curveball that caught too much plate for a two-run homer.—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
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The pair reportedly were caught in the crossfire as rival groups of men opened fire on each other.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
14 May 2026
Verb
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The ex-roommate of former Cold as Life frontman Rodney Barger was apprehended in Panama nearly 33 years after the punk rock singer‘s shooting in Detroit.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
14 May 2026
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Citing a letter from the school, CBS reported that the suspect was quickly apprehended by a security officer who was able to remove the gun.—
Liam Quinn,
PEOPLE,
14 May 2026
Verb
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The mother, who asked to remain anonymous, saw a young man snatch a large bag of weed out a rival’s hands moments before shots rang out on Southern Blvd.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
16 May 2026
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Overhead, squadrons of seagulls and other birds snatched bug after bug out of midair.—
Dac Collins,
Outdoor Life,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Nelson said a person who had befriended Damas while they were both detained called him to tell him Damas was not doing well and that he had been taken to the hospital.—
Suzanne Gamboa,
NBC news,
15 May 2026
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Fox – who officials said was initially detained along with Eatherly then released – was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and underwent emergency surgery, according to the warrant.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nab. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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