as in grabbing
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
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Recent Examples of intercepting
The first steal — intercepting a second-quarter pass by LSU guard MiLaysia Fulwiley — tied Harmon with Waggoneer in the UT record books.
—
Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
Russia suspected of intercepting EU satellites Russian space vehicles have approached European satellites and intercepted their communications, officials believe.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Arizona's next drive ended with Jones intercepting quarterback Kyler Murray.
—Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Both played well in the postseason, too, with Durant intercepting three passes and breaking up seven more and Curl making a big impact in the divisional victory over the Chicago Bears, not least of all with an overtime interception.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 26 Jan. 2026
Although Ukraine's Air Force reported intercepting 27 missiles and 315 drones out of 342 projectiles, the mega-strike, which targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, left half of Kyiv without electricity amid bitter cold.
—Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Only 42 seconds after Will Cuylle’s goal for New York, Fiala scored his 18th goal by intercepting an unwise pass by former Kings teammate Vladislav Gavrikov.
—Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026
Only 42 seconds after Will Cuylle's goal for New York, Fiala scored his 18th goal by intercepting an unwise pass by former Kings teammate Vladislav Gavrikov.
—CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
The rookie came away with two takeaways, intercepting Stroud and hopping on a fumble caused by Gonzalez.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 18 Jan. 2026
Danny Davis, Austin American Statesman, 6 Feb. 2026
Russia suspected of intercepting EU satellites Russian space vehicles have approached European satellites and intercepted their communications, officials believe.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026
Arizona's next drive ended with Jones intercepting quarterback Kyler Murray.
—Michael-Shawn Dugar, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Both played well in the postseason, too, with Durant intercepting three passes and breaking up seven more and Curl making a big impact in the divisional victory over the Chicago Bears, not least of all with an overtime interception.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 26 Jan. 2026
Although Ukraine's Air Force reported intercepting 27 missiles and 315 drones out of 342 projectiles, the mega-strike, which targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, left half of Kyiv without electricity amid bitter cold.
—Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Only 42 seconds after Will Cuylle’s goal for New York, Fiala scored his 18th goal by intercepting an unwise pass by former Kings teammate Vladislav Gavrikov.
—Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2026
Only 42 seconds after Will Cuylle's goal for New York, Fiala scored his 18th goal by intercepting an unwise pass by former Kings teammate Vladislav Gavrikov.
—CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
The rookie came away with two takeaways, intercepting Stroud and hopping on a fumble caused by Gonzalez.
—Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 18 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intercepting
Verb
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Within a few blocks of the hotel are also many spots worthy of grabbing a tasty bite or a drink—Bamboo Sushi, Radio Room, and Walter French's, to name a few.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
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What’s particularly exciting is how many films are grabbing dates in ’27 and ’28.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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According to neurologist and lifestyle medicine physician Lynette Gogol, DO, DipABLM, caffeine works by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain that are involved in inflammation and communication between nerve cells.—
Sarah Garone,
Health,
20 Feb. 2026
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In Marvel Oreo canon, three packs of the legend cookies made it to stores but Marvel villains were blocking the fourth pack's way.—
Rin Velasco,
The Providence Journal,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But in recent years, authorities appeared to be closing in, capturing several high-ranking associates and close family members.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Feb. 2026
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Cousin and team manager Nancy Jordan is there for every match, capturing photos and moments that matter beyond medals.—
Jasmine Arenas,
CBS News,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Getting there involves chartering a plane or catching a flight or ferry from another island.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Feb. 2026
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The attitude evidently was catching.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
17 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Intercepting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intercepting. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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