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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nab
The sweet dramedy nabbed the Audience Award of the Venice Film Festival’s Spotlight section and should pleasantly challenge society’s views of aging, agency and sexuality.
—
Alissa Simon, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
McGuinness, with 100% of precincts reporting, nabbed 54% of the vote over Williams' 45% in the race, the results showed.
—Lily Altavena, Freep.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Kim is the second artist to nab the prize, after Ayoung Kim, who was named the inaugural winner in 2024.
—News Desk, Artforum, 4 Nov. 2025
That reaction spilled over to Bailey’s Wicked castmates, who appeared in a video on the film’s social media accounts celebrating their Fiyero nabbing the coveted title.
—Stephen Daw, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nab
Alissa Simon, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025
McGuinness, with 100% of precincts reporting, nabbed 54% of the vote over Williams' 45% in the race, the results showed.
—Lily Altavena, Freep.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Kim is the second artist to nab the prize, after Ayoung Kim, who was named the inaugural winner in 2024.
—News Desk, Artforum, 4 Nov. 2025
That reaction spilled over to Bailey’s Wicked castmates, who appeared in a video on the film’s social media accounts celebrating their Fiyero nabbing the coveted title.
—Stephen Daw, Billboard, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nab
Verb
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The man was arrested by authorities, said Mexico City mayor, Clara Brugada.—
Ellie Cook,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
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Mount Ida Mayor Vann Morgan was arrested Tuesday after, auditors said, he was overpaid by more than $94,000 over a 17-month period.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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However, Cena outsmarted him by grabbing the chair, throwing it next to Dom, and pretending to be down on the mat.—
Matthew Couden,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Nov. 2025
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Security camera footage from a nearby apartment complex showed the naked man walking across the street prior to the incident, seemingly talking to himself and grabbing a sign, per NBC 4.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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On Iowa State’s next possession, TCU senior safety Bud Clark came up with a massive interception right before the two-minute timeout, giving TCU a great opportunity to seize control of the game with the Horned Frogs getting the ball at halftime.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Nov. 2025
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Pokrovsk would be the largest city Russia has seized since Bakhmut in May 2023.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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One front-line starter that may catch the Mets' eye this offseason is Pittsburgh Pirates hurler Mitch Keller.—
Shaun McAvoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Nov. 2025
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At least six vehicles and three auto-rickshaws caught fire, Delhi's deputy fire chief said later, adding that the flames had been doused by firefighting teams.—
Shivam Patel,
USA Today,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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After throwing the sandwich, Dunn ran off but was apprehended about a block away.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
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Authorities apprehended a suspect — 22-year-old Tyler Robinson — after an extensive manhunt.—
Michael Nied,
PEOPLE,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Because the Vikings found themselves in suboptimal downs and distances, and because the Ravens snatched the lead early in the third quarter, the Vikings found themselves in the wrong game script, again having to come from behind.—
Alec Lewis,
New York Times,
11 Nov. 2025
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The project, directed by German indie king Uwe Boll (Rampage, Postal) was snatched up ahead of the American Film Market by new distributor Free Wind for German-speaking Europe.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
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On October 25, the 58-year-old received a call from neighbors that his mother-in-law had been detained by Israeli soldiers while picking olives in the village of Nahalin in Bethlehem.—
Zeena Saifi,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
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Keller police did not immediately publicly release the arrest warrant affidavit or describe the basis for intending to detain or arrest Johnson.—
Emerson Clarridge,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nab. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.
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