nab

verb

ˈnab How to pronounce nab (audio)
Definition of nabnext
1
as in to arrest
to take or keep under one's control by authority of law the officer nabbed the purse snatcher before he could escape

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to grab
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly a pickpocket nabbed my wallet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 nab The 11 Pro Fold nabs $2,249 from your bank account, which is already pricey, but the Z Fold 8 requires an extra $250 for the same configuration. — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 16 Aug. 2026 That followed a single by Angel Genoa on a grounder up the middle that Bogaerts nabbed but threw into the Padres dugout, allowing Genoa to get to second base. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026 In nabbing Purdy’s 4-yard, desperation heave before cornerback Riq Woolen could with 1 1/2 minutes to go, Tonges put himself on the NFL map as a fourth-year veteran. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026 This is the company’s second collaboration with Stewart after Pablo Larraín’s Spencer, which nabbed her a Best Actress Oscar nomination. — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nab
  1. arrest
  2. grab
  3. seize
  4. catch
  5. apprehend
  6. snatch
  7. detain
Verb
  • The teen did not realize his mother and brother were dead until after he was arrested, his defense attorney, Debra DeWitt, told WCVB.
    — Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The Ventura County Sheriff's Office arrested a woman for allegedly slashing several cars' tires in a Camarillo neighborhood earlier this week.
    — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of arrest
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
  • Messi had a shot saved at the beginning of the second half, but Palacios then sparked a move from one side of the pitch to the other as Nashville restored its lead in the 49th minute and seized control of the game.
    — Dean Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Biggs, 67, has seized on the refusal, repeatedly challenging Hobbs to debate and making her absence itself part of his campaign message.
    — Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of seize
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
  • One subject was apprehended after traveling down from Canada on a Jet Ski, Peck told CBS News.
    — Laura Geller, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • He was apprehended days later in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after a McDonald’s employee called the police.
    — Adam Reiss, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of apprehend
Verb
  • The thieves then snatched the paintings and fled through the museum’s gardens—the whole heist took place in under three minutes.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The second was produced by Jahdae Barron, who alertly snatched a ball out of the air that had been tipped by linebacker Karene Reid and then raced 97 yards for a touchdown.
    — Nick Kosmider, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of snatch
Verb
  • He was detained in March last year and deported to El Salvador, but White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and other administration officials, later admitted that the removal was due to a clerical error.
    — Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
  • As the court met Monday on Yabloko’s appeal, the party’s supporters gathered outside the courthouse and Russian media reported that several dozen people were detained.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of detain

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Cite this Entry

“Nab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nab. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of nab for Spanish Speakers

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