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
As part of her plea deal, the government will seize several assets, like designer jewelry, a couple of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, expensive guitars, and several bank accounts towards repayment.
—
Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
The court ruled that Yoon's central offense was mobilizing military and police forces to seize control of the National Assembly and detain key political figures.
—Hakyung Kate Lee, ABC News, 19 Feb. 2026
In 2009 — arguably the dawn of rap’s Big 3 era — Drake seized the moment, forcing Cole into the long game.
—Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 19 Feb. 2026
Adams installed Donlon after Caban resigned in disgrace when Caban’s phones were seized in an FBI corruption probe.
—Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for seize
Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
The court ruled that Yoon's central offense was mobilizing military and police forces to seize control of the National Assembly and detain key political figures.
—Hakyung Kate Lee, ABC News, 19 Feb. 2026
In 2009 — arguably the dawn of rap’s Big 3 era — Drake seized the moment, forcing Cole into the long game.
—Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 19 Feb. 2026
Adams installed Donlon after Caban resigned in disgrace when Caban’s phones were seized in an FBI corruption probe.
—Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for seize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seize
Verb
-
Senate faculty want to understand how the administration will balance the budget in ways that preserve the academic mission.—
Jaweed Kaleem,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Some people didn’t understand how someone like Van Der Beek didn’t leave his family enough money, even though the actor had spoken openly about his money struggles due to cancer treatments.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Murphy had been jailed since March 2021 when he was arrested on suspicion of killing his wife, Whitney Murphy, at their rural home in 2014 to collect life insurance money.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Jones was arrested 15 years after his former teammate’s killing and has pleaded not guilty.—
Sofia Saric,
Miami Herald,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Neely tried to grab Belt-Stubblefield by the neck and take him to the ground, but the officer is the one who fell, according to the notice of claim.—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
24 Feb. 2026
-
Melvin Trotter walked in and began rifling through the cash register, grabbing about $100 and some food stamps.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Contrary to what many people believe, these items aren't actually confiscated.—
Iona Brannon,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The monitors also tried to confiscate four power banks and chargers.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The group also used signals from what's known as an avalanche beacon, which allows skiers to send radio signals so they can be tracked by first responders.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
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Our Local Group — like all galaxy groups and galaxy clusters — will experience this, eventually creating a super-galaxy known as Milkdromeda.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In fact, immigration authorities routinely remove migrants’ phones and other personal belongings; Iván wouldn’t be able to respond to any messages or calls after being apprehended.—
Jordan Salama,
New Yorker,
19 Feb. 2026
-
He was apprehended after jumping a fence in an apparent attempt to flee.—
Bay Area News Group,
Mercury News,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The Clippers enter the final stretch of the season as the hottest team in the NBA, having won 20 of their past 27 games, a feat that caught many insiders by surprise.—
Janis Carr,
Oc Register,
19 Feb. 2026
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So, this is about when undeniable attraction catches you off guard, but also the enormous consequences of following that urge and that feeling, and the consequences of that for the families around you, however innocent your intent is.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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With a 125-122 lead and the ball in the closing seconds, James threw a dangerous cross-court pass intended for Doncic that Nicolas Batum stole.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The action comes as a trial is approaching in a federal corruption case in which several former union executives — among them ousted International President Newton Jones — are charged with allegedly scheming to steal $20 million in union funds.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Seize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seize. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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