intercept

verb

ˌin-tər-ˈsept How to pronounce intercept (audio)
Definition of interceptnext
as in to grab
to stop, seize, or interrupt while in progress or on course the cat was about to hightail it out the front door when I intercepted her

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 intercept After Tuesday’s practice, Purdy detailed how a delayed throw to Luke Farrell got intercepted by linebacker Del-Shawn Phillips off near the goal line. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026 Ukraine has been relatively successful at intercepting the massive numbers of drones that Russia uses in its large-scale attacks. — Kosta Gak, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026 The attorney general's office said that several pieces of mail sent to inmates during 2024 were intercepted under suspicion that the mail contained narcotics. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 Combined with other defences, Patriot has this year intercepted more than 90% of Iran’s missiles and drones, according to the US Congressional Research Service. — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intercept
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intercept
  1. grab
  2. capture
  3. block
  4. catch
  5. interdict
Verb
  • After grabbing an early 83-81 lead in overtime, the Dream gave up eight straight points to the Fever, who never lost the lead in overtime again, although the Dream got within two points, 93-91, with 10 seconds left.
    — Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The little breaths, the cloth grabs and punches were all deliberate.
    — Simon Thompson, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of grab
Verb
  • Anyone in Livingston County who believes they've been exposed is asked to capture the bat, report the exposure by filling out a form on the health department's website and call department staff at 517‑552‑6882 for testing guidance and next steps.
    — Nicholas Lentz, CBS News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The shooting, which was captured on body camera video, set off protests and calls for justice.
    — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of capture
Verb
  • The train began blocking the crossing on Tuesday morning, forcing drivers to find alternate routes.
    — Terell Bailey, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Instagram users have always been able to block others — and, along with Meta’s oldest crown jewel, Facebook — the app has gradually added features for reporting problematic accounts and inappropriate content.
    — Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of block
Verb
  • Ba's novels explored women caught between traditional upbringing and modern aspirations, criticizing polygamy, widespread in the country, and patriarchy.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Presently, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer that is caught early is over 99%, which is why Andrea says women who find a lump shouldn't wait to get screened.
    — Shaun Boyd, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of catch
Verb
  • By using drones to interdict supply lines from a distance, Ukrainian forces can impose the effects of a siege without physically encircling a city, redefining how an opponent can be isolated in modern warfare.
    — Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026
  • Their job was to board the trains going from Germany to Austria at random to interdict drugs, illicit money, and criminals.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
Definition of interdict

Browse Nearby Words

interceding
intercept
intercepted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intercept.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intercept. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on intercept

Nglish: Translation of intercept for Spanish Speakers

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