intercepting

verb

present participle of intercept
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

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 intercepting After the Seahawks picked off Herbert on the first play from scrimmage, the Chargers returned the favor on Seattle’s first play, intercepting a Sam Darnold pass. — Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 Signals intelligence is the field of collecting, intercepting and analyzing electronic signals to support defense, communications and emergency response. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026 The Denver defense is still elite against the pass, holding Patrick Mahomes and Trevor Lawrence both under 200 passing yards and intercepting Matthew Stafford twice. — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 30 Sep. 2026 The Hurricanes forced two turnovers — with JJ Dunnigan and Damon Wilson II recovering fumbles that ultimately led to Miami touchdowns and Brody Jennings intercepting a pass with just over three minutes left to play. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2026 But Gonçalo Ramos – playing in Ronaldo’s place – scored three minutes later after intercepting a poor pass by Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026 In recent weeks, SOUTHCOM has also released several videos showing military personnel intercepting and boarding vessels allegedly involved in narco-trafficking before removing their crews and sinking the boats. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026 Iran's Foreign Ministry said a claim of intercepting a drone shouldn't be used to escalate tensions. — Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026 Males perform complex mating flights in the late summer months and into fall (August through October) which often involve intercepting prospective partners mid-air. — Sean Donnelly, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intercepting
  1. grabbing
  2. blocking
  3. capturing
  4. catching
Verb
  • The catalyst was a headline-grabbing second-quarter loss of $154 million that likely sent trading algorithms to hit the sell button.
    — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Lopez then attacked Hager, grabbing his holster, and the two men fought over the deputy’s service weapon, according to the arrest report.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of grabbing
Verb
  • The gates blocking it, and the security checkpoints along its flanks, will dramatically limit the public’s desire to enter, and change the tenor and experience of a space that should feel porous and inclusive.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Benson’s Sunday task will be blocking defensive ends Malcolm Koonce and Kwity Paye, who, according to Pro Football Focus, have combined for 20 pressures this season.
    — Pete Sweeney October 1, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of blocking
Verb
  • And rather than just capturing a small snapshot of what's going on, the ultraviolet imager can continually observe the show for up to 45 hours at a time, revealing how the auroral oval changes as conditions in the solar wind change.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Experts say flood maps need reform In many places, FEMA’s flood maps don’t do a good job of capturing the extent of severe flood risk.
    — Michael Phillis, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of capturing
Verb
  • Her complexion was lit-from-within radiant, with the warm pink pigment catching the light across the tops of her cheekbones.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2026
  • In 134 career games, Stewart rushed for 7,335 yards and 51 touchdowns while catching 162 passes for 1,295 yards and seven touchdowns.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of catching

Browse Nearby Words

intercepted
intercepting
intercepts
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Cite this Entry

“Intercepting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intercepting. Accessed 6 Oct. 2026.

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