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
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 seize
As French police, government officials and top executives at the Louvre Museum continue to scratch their heads over how thieves managed to brazenly steal priceless jewelry in broad daylight, a German company is seizing the moment and grabbing its 15 minutes of fame.
—
Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
The victims are local teenagers, seized in roundups, while the courtesans, whose ghastly storytelling each night inspires the action, are like camp followers, the guards collaborators.
—David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
After reports that Slater opposed the settlement but was overruled by Attorney General Pam Bondi, Democrats seized on it as an example of political interference from Trump-supporting lobbyists.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025
That could include the roughly $40,000 seized by law enforcement and the Wilder property.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for seize
Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025
The victims are local teenagers, seized in roundups, while the courtesans, whose ghastly storytelling each night inspires the action, are like camp followers, the guards collaborators.
—David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
After reports that Slater opposed the settlement but was overruled by Attorney General Pam Bondi, Democrats seized on it as an example of political interference from Trump-supporting lobbyists.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2025
That could include the roughly $40,000 seized by law enforcement and the Wilder property.
—Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for seize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seize
Verb
-
Of course, a reliable method for measuring a team’s performance is to use underlying metrics to understand the team’s process more than its outcomes.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
-
The clip then smash-cuts to a scene of Bruce as a child listening to his parents fight in the next room, and we’re meant to understand that the joy and power that steams off of the stage is a cure for the pain of childhood wounds.—
Sadie Sartini Garner,
Pitchfork,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
An 18-year old wanted on multiple felony charges was arrested Monday after officers rammed his vehicle in West Memphis, the Arkansas State Police said in a news release Wednesday.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Police confirmed Wednesday that six people had been arrested in relation to the violence.—
Callum Sutherland,
Time,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Casanovas’ use of the brand as a platform for self-expression has clearly grabbed attention among his Gen Z peers.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
20 Oct. 2025
-
So instead of getting out your sad, chipped mixing bowls as your backup serving pieces, grab a three-piece set of these Trudeau porcelain serving bowls.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The sweeping opinion ran through a list of Israeli practices that the ICJ said violated international law, including confiscating land, building Israeli settlements in the territories, and depriving Palestinians of natural resources and the right to self-determination.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Victoria discussed payment, methods, and timing in messages discovered on a phone that was eventually confiscated from Amato by security guards.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The charitable organization funded by the Johnson & Johnson heiress is known for gifts to education, health and civic projects.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Also known as irritable hip, the condition is due to inflammation of the hip joint lining.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
26 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Hennie said the person was apprehended without incident.—
David Ferrara,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Imperiale was apprehended in 2021 and later deported to Italy, where he is now incarcerated.—
Ed Caesar,
New Yorker,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
When a major cloud provider sneezes, the Internet catches a cold.—
Tasmin Lockwood,Katrina Bishop,
CNBC,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Wide receiver Keenan Allen caught a team-leading 11 passes for 119 yards and one touchdown.—
Elliott Teaford,
Oc Register,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Multiple suspects have been arrested in connection with the brazen heist of crown jewels from the Louvre museum in Paris, a week after thieves stole millions of dollars worth of historic jewelry, the Paris prosecutor’s office said.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Marchenko kept the heat on by stealing a page from Johnson’s book of tricks, sliding it through Silovs’ pads.—
Aaron Portzline,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Seize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seize. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share