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 But his ship was seized by the British and taken to Jamaica. Time, 9 July 2025 Facing significant second-apron penalties with Tatum (Achilles tear) likely sidelined next season, Stevens has seized the chance at a financial reset. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 8 July 2025 One way to do this is to seize on encouraging signs of hope and drive up a sense of positivity. Jo Causon, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 The Israeli attack also targeted the Galaxy Leader, a vessel seized by the Houthis in 2023. Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for seize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seize
Verb
  • The class is offered by the Peace and Justice Institute, an Orlando nonprofit that hosts workshops on topics like conflict resolution, understanding trauma, emotional intelligence and parenting.
    Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2025
  • To better understand the missing middle, Paulsen was part of a research team that examined rock samples from the Polar Rock Depository at The Ohio State University’s Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center.
    Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 5 July 2025
Verb
  • During the operation, agents arrested approximately 200 people suspected of being in the country illegally and identified at least 10 immigrant children on the sites.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
  • Soon, he was arrested on suspicion of felony resisting arrest.
    Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Order fish tacos or fresh salads at Bad Boy Burrito; grab at coffee at Cafe Moka; shop for clothing and gifts at Miss Monroe Boutique; and browse the open-air stalls at boo kee sue Botanics for handmade textiles, ceramics, and more.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
  • Pick up seasonal staples like this breezy maxi dress and these Crocs recovery slides to comfortably beat the heat, or grab year-round closet staples like these classic Levi’s jeans and this timeless button-down shirt by Gap.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • The agents ultimately released him, but confiscated his driver’s license.
    Steven Greenhut, Oc Register, 20 June 2025
  • Most importantly, Johnson must support police Superintendent Larry Snelling’s request for the authority to call a snap curfew in emergencies and direct city agencies to confiscate vehicles and other personal property from those who engage in disruptive behavior.
    Paul Vallas, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025
Verb
  • Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 7 July 2025
  • This leaves the smartphone’s storage ready for more photos while the phone’s owner knows their precious photos and videos are safely stowed away on the NAS.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • What To Know The Americans, who local outlet Yonhap, reported ranged in age from their 20s to 50s, were apprehended on Friday from a restricted area on Ganghwa Island near the North Korean border.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025
  • He was apprehended by responding police officers a short time later.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • So just mainly be ready to catch and shoot whenever.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 10 July 2025
  • If a rushing river is more your style, there are quite a few great spots in the state to catch some trout or bass or other varieties of fish.
    Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • This attack works through thousands of dangerous websites, stealing credit card or PayPal details as soon as they’re entered.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • In a near-future Kolkata, ravaged by climate change, one family is about to escape, until their visas are stolen.
    Literary Hub July 1, Literary Hub, 1 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on seize

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