nab

verb

ˈnab How to pronounce nab (audio)
Definition of nabnext
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

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 nab Farrell won an Emmy and Golden Globe for his lead performance, and the show nabbed several best limited series nominations. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026 Larry Kramer nabbed an Oscar nomination for his screenplay here, long before his legendary activism, and Glenda Jackson took home the Best Actress trophy — before also blazing a career fearless in politics and artistry. — Juan A. Ramírez, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2026 Law enforcement in Europe were able to nab two Turkish nationals allegedly behind the arson attack against the Starlink ground station in Poland. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026 Then the mob went in and nabbed the books out of the gift shop. — George Saunders, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nab
  1. arrest
  2. grab
  3. seize
  4. catch
  5. apprehend
  6. snatch
  7. detain
Verb
  • Nearly a year after Christina Downer disappeared, her actor boyfriend was among two people arrested on suspicion of killing her, Los Angeles police said Friday.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Smith, White and Duran were arrested after a search of the box allegedly revealed 10 kilograms of cocaine, and a search of the shopping bag allegedly contained more than $170,000 in cash.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of arrest
Verb
  • Finally, grab 32% off the Eufy E340 Security Video Doorbell with Chime, providing dual 2K cameras and color night vision.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026
  • James scored 18 points, grabbed two rebounds and was a minus-22 going up against Paul Reed, and the 76ers were left to hope his presence at center was nothing more than a cameo.
    — Dan Gelston, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of grab
Verb
  • Weafer said Russia may be seizing control of foreign companies in anticipation of a deal to secure Russian assets frozen abroad.
    — David McHugh, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Italian authorities seized the sailboats, and the activists were reported to prosecutors for allegedly disrupting a public service.
    — Asra Q. Nomani, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of seize
Verb
  • SpaceX's confidence in its ability to catch both the Super Heavy and Ship stages has been building this year, following three launches so far in 2026.
    — Josh Dinner, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2026
  • In Minor Black Figures, Taylor casts a sharp gaze on the New York art scene through the eyes of Wyeth, a young Black painter caught in the throes of creative struggle.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of catch
Verb
  • Federal law enforcement sources told Fox News Corrales was apprehended at the southern border in October 2023 and subsequently released into the United States during the Biden administration.
    — Brittany Miller , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Only instead of just peacefully apprehending opponents, Doncic’s super-competitive alter ego wants to smash them all under an array of increasingly rude step-back jumpers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of apprehend
Verb
  • The footage shows a coyote getting some serious air in order to snatch a pear off a tree.
    — David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Wait for the rows in front of you to get up and head to the exit, rather than scrambling to snatch your items from the overhead bins and just crowding the aisle.
    — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of snatch
Verb
  • Essghir was ordered detained until his next hearing, while Abdulkarim, who attended court in a wheelchair, was granted bail.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026
  • One night, following the filming of an elevator scene, officers came to Hamid’s home intending to detain me.
    — Will Tizard, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of detain

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Cite this Entry

“Nab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nab. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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