grab 1 of 2

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

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

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 grab
Verb
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 Now, folks heading to Shenandoah National Park or beyond can grab some gas, hit the jerky wall, nab a Dr Pepper Icee, load up on fudge, use the famously clean bathrooms, and stock up on Buc-ee’s merch before heading back out on the road. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 30 June 2025
Noun
The vehicle going up for grabs isn’t from the initial 599-car production run but is an extra example Maranello decided to build. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 10 July 2025 That would be very tall political order since only two seats now held by Republicans in swing states are up for grabs. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for grab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grab
Verb
  • As the old adage goes, the early bird gets the worm—the same can be applied to snatching up the best Prime Day beauty deals!
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 9 July 2025
  • The supe-fighting Boys went on the run, but nearly all of them got snatched by Homelander's personal supe army — with the exception of Starlight and Karl Urban's Butcher.
    EW.com, EW.com, 3 July 2025
Noun
  • No retail center in the Kansas City area is immune to thefts, burglaries, robberies or other felonies or misdemeanors.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2025
  • Labor groups see home building as the Wild West of construction, rife with fly-by-night contractors, wage theft and physical hazards.
    CalMatters, Mercury News, 13 July 2025
Verb
  • One media entrepreneur has already seized part of the Fyre opportunity.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 10 July 2025
  • Yemen’s war began when the Houthis seized Sanaa in 2014.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • The outsoles are made with reliable rubber treads to provide vital traction on slick city streets and beyond, and the sleek leather exteriors will remain in pristine shape even if you get caught in an unexpected rainstorm.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2025
  • The goal of catching medical issues early is part of the clinic’s founding ethos.
    Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • The Raptors got within one on a 3-pointer by Jamal Shead with 3:56 to go.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 20 July 2025
  • The largest player turnout for a CBA meeting in the union’s 26-year history, including next-generation stars Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese, got a first-hand look at the process—and at the growing but still-not-profitable league’s pushback on their salary demands.
    Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • The song captures Secor’s complicated affections for a city that is rapidly changing.
    Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 11 July 2025
  • It was captured and taken to a rehabilitation center for cleanup.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Wood hit 16 homers, including one that landed on the roof of the Chop House behind the right-field wall.
    Ronald Blum, Baltimore Sun, 15 July 2025
  • Wood hit 16 homers, including a 486-foot shot and one that landed on the roof of the Chop House behind the right-field wall.
    Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Fill your cart now—before everyone else snags your sizes.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 11 July 2025
  • Don’t miss this opportunity to snag a great price on Anne Hathaway’s date-night bag from JW Pei and Bogg bags, both of which have cult followings and very rarely go on sale.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grab. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on grab

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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