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
• hold
• corral
• grapple
• snap (up)
• grasp
• bag
• net
• cop
• nail
• rap
• clutch
• glom
• arrest
• grip
• collar
• kidnap
• rope
• nobble
• secure
• detain
• apprehend
• glove
• fist
• clasp
• corner
• abduct
• bay
• rend
• wrest
• lasso
• ensnare
• fasten (on)
• entrap
• latch (on or onto)
• halter
• mesh
• entangle
• spirit (away or off)
• enmesh

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

The sixth-year senior grabbed a season-high 11 rebounds. —Matt Byrne, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026

Gu spun left, spun right, and grabbed her skis, which the judges love. —Sean Gregory, Time, 9 Feb. 2026

Noun

The Cubs return the majority of a roster that reached the postseason for the first time since 2020, leaving only a couple of opening-day roster spots up for grabs. —Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026

The absence of Russia — still banned from the Games over its war in Ukraine — means that the third medal is somewhat up for grabs. —Rachel Treisman, NPR, 6 Feb. 2026

Phrases Containing grab

• grab bag