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

Clark scored 26 points, hit two enormous free throws late in overtime and grabbed the game-sealing rebound as the Indiana Fever beat Reese and the Atlanta Dream, 95-91. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Victoria and David, Harper, Cruz, and Jackie had just grabbed something to eat at a spot on the waterfront of the famous Italian riviera town. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 16 Aug. 2026

Noun

The Paramount+ streaming event finds two UFC belts up for grabs at the top of the card. — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

For the first time, all 21 seats on the Board of Education are up for grabs. — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing grab

• grab bag