Synonyms of nab

nab

verb

ˈnab 

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

• arrest
• seize
• grab
• apprehend
• detain
• restrain
• capture
• snatch
• catch
• run in
• commit
• pinch
• pull in
• nick
• nail
• pick up
• bust
• jail
• trap
• collar
• imprison
• get
• snare
• confine
• hook
• grapple
• hold
• snap (up)
• land
• incarcerate
• bind
• bag
• handcuff
• lock (up)
• intern
• immure
• remand
• jug
• shackle
• trammel
• enchain
• fetter
• manacle
• rearrest

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• release
• discharge
• liberate
• free
• loosen
• loose
• spring
• emancipate
• unchain
• unbind

2

as in to grab

to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly

a pickpocket nabbed my wallet

Synonyms & Similar Words

• grab
• catch
• snatch
• seize
• get
• capture
• snag
• land
• trap
• snare
• hook
• corral
• take hold (of)
• grapple
• cop
• snap (up)
• net
• nail
• bag
• rap
• glom
• nobble
• apprehend
• hold
• arrest
• detain
• collar
• grasp
• secure
• clutch
• rope
• kidnap
• glove
• grip
• bay
• entrap
• abduct
• ensnare
• corner
• wrest
• lasso
• clasp
• fist
• rend
• latch (on or onto)
• fasten (on)
• halter
• mesh
• entangle
• spirit (away or off)
• enmesh

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• miss
• release
• free
• liberate
• drop
• discharge
• loosen
• unhand

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nab

But Brunson and Bridges were able to pull off another win their junior year, nabbing the 2018 NCAA championship together, before declaring for the NBA draft. —Matt Nighswander, NBC news, 18 June 2026

After two seasons on the daytime soap Another World, Henry Simmons nabbed the role of the calm but intimidating Det. —Maggie Fremont, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026

Suzuki also recorded an outfield assist in the first by nabbing Bryce Eldridge trying to stretch a single into a double. —Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026

Dutch team nabs 17 bikes from KC shop. —Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026