intercepts

verb

present tense third-person singular of intercept
as in grabs
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 intercepts Russia intercepts most Ukrainian long-range drones but some have evaded Russian air defenses. — Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 27 June 2026 However, Azula intercepts the group and duels Aang and Katara with Zuko, who nearly had a change of heart after opening up to Katara. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 25 June 2026 Advertisement Breaking down the fight and its outcome When Sam intercepts them, Adam steps in to confront him, attempting to create time for Rosie and Grace to escape. — Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 21 Apr. 2026 The process intercepts industrial carbon emissions before they are released into the atmosphere and converts them into recycled fibers. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 17 Apr. 2026 Kagan and his colleagues showed that within minutes, neurons on microchips could learn to play Pong, the classic video game in which a player repeatedly intercepts a ball—think two-dimensional ping-pong. — Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 28 Mar. 2026 The main street that intercepts the end of my block is tree-lined and buzzing, with generous sidewalks, gleaming (and respected) crosswalks, and wide windowscapes just begging to be strolled and observed. — Claire Salinda, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026 The following month, Iran fires nearly 200 missiles at Israel, which intercepts most of them but promises retaliation. — Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 1 Mar. 2026 In a sleepy town, a switchboard operator and a radio DJ investigate a strange audio signal that intercepts the latter’s broadcast. — Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intercepts
  1. grabs
  2. blocks
  3. captures
  4. catches
Verb
  • But his wildly unfiltered speech grabs the attention of beautiful and brash public defender Ginger (Gilpin), herself a crusader for truth.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Profanity also grabs attention since the shock value of an F-bomb can lead to more media coverage and clips circulating on social media.
    — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of grabs
Verb
  • Webb’s infrared vision is particularly useful here because infrared light can penetrate dust that blocks much of the visible light, giving astronomers a better look at the processes taking place inside stellar nurseries.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Seminole blocks a Lake Nona 39-yard field goal attempt and Joseph Watson IV grabs the ball and takes it to the house for the go-ahead score.
    — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of blocks
Verb
  • In IconArrows pointing outwards The CNBC chart above captures the chaos, as the back and forth drama continues around the Strait.
    — Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026
  • What’s happening in the cell body captures only one part of the brain’s power.
    — Ajdina Halilovic, Scientific American, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of captures
Verb
  • Tyler Clouse / Getty Images Earlier, Twins players and team legends also toured the movie site with several participating in father-son catches.
    — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Be sure to grab a chocolate babka muffin and a slice of whatever the cake of the week is, as well as anything else that catches your eye.
    — Kyle Beechey, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of catches

Browse Nearby Words

intercepting
intercepts
intercession
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Cite this Entry

“Intercepts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intercepts. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on intercepts

Nglish: Translation of intercepts for Spanish Speakers

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