Synonyms of grab

grab 1 of 2

verb

ˈgrab 

as in to snatch

to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly

don't grab my arm like that

Synonyms & Similar Words

• snatch
• seize
• catch
• get
• capture
• land
• snag
• nab
• trap
• hook
• take hold (of)
• snare
• corral
• hold
• grapple
• snap (up)
• grasp
• bag
• net
• cop
• nail
• collar
• rap
• clutch
• glom
• arrest
• grip
• nobble
• kidnap
• rope
• secure
• detain
• apprehend
• glove
• lasso
• fist
• clasp
• corner
• abduct
• bay
• rend
• wrest
• ensnare
• fasten (on)
• entrap
• halter
• latch (on or onto)
• mesh
• entangle
• enmesh
• spirit (away or off)
• immesh

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• miss
• release
• free
• drop
• discharge
• liberate
• loosen
• unhand

grab

2 of 2

noun

as in theft

an instance of theft

a political activist who thinks the government's lease of public lands to logging companies amounts to an illegal land grab

Synonyms & Similar Words

• theft
• snatching
• pinch
• heist
• swiping
• rip-off
• burglary
• mugging
• holdup
• break-in
• stickup

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of grab are clutch, grasp, seize, snatch, and take. While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch.

grabbed roughly by the arm

When can clutch be used instead of grab?

Although the words clutch and grab have much in common, clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding.

clutching her purse

In what contexts can grasp take the place of grab?

In some situations, the words grasp and grab are roughly equivalent. However, grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession.

grasp the handle and pull

Where would seize be a reasonable alternative to grab?

The words seize and grab can be used in similar contexts, but 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

How do snatch and seize relate to one another, in the sense of grab?

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

snatched a doughnut and ran

When could take be used to replace grab?

The words take and grab are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

Recent Examples of grab

Verb

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

Though Shieh was ultimately cleared of student conduct violation charges, his story grabbed national attention. —Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 5 June 2025

Noun

By contrast, Israel’s unplanned war in Gaza has seen no such resolution and steadily devolved into a messianic power grab by Israel’s far right. —Yair Rosenberg, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025

The political trajectory of the city is genuinely up for grabs. —Eric Lach, New Yorker, 13 June 2025

Phrases Containing grab

• grab bag