seize

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word seize different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of seize are clutch, grab, grasp, snatch, and take. While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," seize implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible.

seized the suspect

When might clutch be a better fit than seize?

While the synonyms clutch and seize are close in meaning, clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding.

clutching her purse

How are the words grab and snatch related as synonyms of seize?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch.

grabbed roughly by the arm

When is it sensible to use grasp instead of seize?

The words grasp and seize are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession.

grasp the handle and pull

How do snatch and seize relate to one another?

Snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize.

snatched a doughnut and ran

When could take be used to replace seize?

The words take and seize can be used in similar contexts, but take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control.

take some salad from the bowl

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 Arrests made, guns seized after 5 musicians found dead near U.S. border Feds charge California man with threatening to kill Trump on Facebook Cold Case DNA Florida Emily Mae Czachor Emily Mae Czachor is a news editor at CBSNews.com. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 3 June 2025 Morena overhauled the court system late last year, fueling protests and criticism that the reform is an attempt by those in power to seize on their political popularity to gain control of the branch of government, that was until now, out of their reach. MarÍa Verza, Arkansas Online, 3 June 2025 Compare this to what Amtrak has been pushing to fix their lousy Penn Station by needlessly expanding the station to the south by using eminent domain to seize Block 780, which is opposed by everyone from Gov. Hochul on down. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 2 June 2025 But is Simone now the villain – or simply someone with a tough upbringing who seized an opportunity to secure her future? Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for seize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seize
Verb
  • But Greene, a serial entrepreneur, says there’s been a missing piece — advanced search that can understand queries that go well beyond the basics of a title or actor.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 10 June 2025
  • To understand how the deportation dragnet works, TIME joined ICE officers on a pair of morning raids in the New Orleans area.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 10 June 2025
Verb
  • Georgia is then arrested and driven away in a cop car, setting the stage for an intense court battle and a potential prison sentence in Season 3.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • The Columbia County, Oregon, Sheriff’s Office arrested the suspect on May 22, the FBI said.
    Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Appeal To All Five Senses People still like going out, meeting others and grabbing coffee.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • Scott grabbed some pizza and returned to park her Subaru near the West Shore Market to wait for Serafini.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Her family remained in Italy until 1939, when the Italian Racial Laws barred Jews from certain jobs and ordered Jewish property and businesses to be confiscated.
    Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 5 June 2025
  • After Parker was revealed to be Spider-Man, the glasses were confiscated and haven't been seen since.
    Jeremy Hanna, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • As someone who lost their father before doing Top Chef and knowing the fire that can ignite someone going into this competition is unattainable.
    Buddha Lo, People.com, 13 June 2025
  • Newsom said in a court filing on Thursday that troops had moved beyond those allowable duties to actively assist ICE agents in making arrests, in violation of a federal law known as the Posse Comitatus Act, which is designed to prevent the military from being used as a domestic police force.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • Kendall nearly escapes with the cash, but the cops arrive just in time to apprehend him.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 5 June 2025
  • Tolbert was apprehended inside a hotel at 204 N. Washington St. in Ellis, Kansas, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said in a statement.
    Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Fans lined up early and made signs to catch a glimpse of the future star.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2025
  • On his Instagram Stories, Brady gave fans a glimpse into the father-son duo's time on the water, alongside a selfie of them catching some rays.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • This image from Japan catches a White-Tailed Sea Eagle hiding a fish in a hole as another eagle was approaching to steal it.
    Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • Even with Yarbrough allowing eight runs, the Yankees still had a chance to steal a win Saturday night.
    Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 8 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Seize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seize. Accessed 15 Jun. 2025.

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