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 Abby followed in her famous father’s footsteps to nab a gig on Saturday Night Live. — Ew Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 29 July 2026 Over in Midtown East on the fourth floor of the flagship Louis Vuitton store, Le Café Louis Vuitton also has its own hojicha offering for those who are lucky enough to nab a reservation. — Carissa Chesanek, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 Live sports nab the biggest audiences for both streaming and linear TV. — Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 27 July 2026 For the best seat in the house, try to nab a spot on the top floor of the charming circular stone building. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 July 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
  • Velasquez was arrested July 16 and is charged with capital murder.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Zachary Robert Stacer, 22, was arrested on July 30 and charged with two counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm, three counts of felonious assault and five counts of resisting and obstructing a police officer.
    — Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of arrest
Verb
  • Vandersloot also had 10 assists and Cardoso grabbed 13 rebounds.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • When the Almaden Barnes & Noble closed last year after 26 years there was an emotional reaction from the community about a place to browse for books, magazines, puzzles and even grab a cup of coffee.
    — Pueng Vongs, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of grab
Verb
  • The pivotal moment occurred when Randy Orton made a shocking return, delivering an RKO to Cody Rhodes, which allowed Punk to seize the opportunity and secure the pinfall.
    — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The 12th-century castle, also known as Al-Shaqif, was seized by Israeli forces in May.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of seize
Verb
  • While browsing for antiques, an eye caught the eyes of David and Nan Skier.
    — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Gable suplexed Penta into the corner and went for a flying headbutt, but Penta caught him in an armbar, busting Gable’s shoulder.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of catch
Verb
  • The target folders ensured that agents apprehended the correct person.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
  • Even stranger, after the interloper was apprehended, umpire Bill Miller used his field microphone to encourage Tigers fans to give the grounds crew a round of applause.
    — Levi Weaver, New York Times, 28 July 2026
Definition of apprehend
Verb
  • The phone on the wall rang, and Rebecca snatched the receiver, then pulled the curly cord down the steps to the basement and shut the door.
    — Rachel Yoder, New Yorker, 2 Aug. 2026
  • In Friday’s first red zone drill of training camp, Purdy wisely threw a ball that the 6-foot-5 Evans snatched high at the goal line, with an almost unnecessary leap against 5-foot-9 cornerback Upton Stout.
    — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of snatch
Verb
  • This spring, the FBI detained a former aide to Fauci, and federal officials banned a virus researcher in North Carolina from receiving federal funding.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Police detained Schmidt twice during the altercation, originally placing him into the police vehicle after the officer shot his black Labrador, according to eyewitness Paul Bates.
    — Gabe White, Arkansas Online, 21 July 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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