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 Fans can also nab a soft black blanket ($30) to curl up in while sitting on the couch. — Stacy Lambe, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026 Lit Burlap Bow, $39 (was $89) Didn’t nab these best-selling flameless pumpkin candles in time for Halloween? — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2026 The group, which operates across 21 cities and employs 480 people, has been on an acquisition spree over the past few years, nabbing both controlling and minority stakes in several fellow firms. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026 This holiday season, why not nab your own 2026 time capsule with our special edition of Southern Living Annual Recipes that is exclusive to Southern Living Insiders. — Katie Akin, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 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
  • Greenfield resident Donald William Breeden was arrested and booked into Monterey County Jail on two counts of murder with criminal street gang enhancements, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Police arrested him with the victims' Cadillac an hour away in Birmingham.
    — KIM CHANDLER, Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of arrest
Verb
  • In a separate incident Sunday, Basabe flagged down police to report that a parking garage employee grabbed and threw his phone to the ground, the report shows.
    — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Testing spoons stored in a manner where lip contact surface contamination could happen when employee grabs the spoon from container.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of grab
Verb
  • However, such a tie-up would be the largest in history and would almost certainly raise antitrust concerns that Democrats would seize upon.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Washington seized control of Venezuela's oil exports in January after ousting former President Nicolás Maduro in a military raid.
    — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of seize
Verb
  • Political reporters could sleep late, have a long lunch, even catch a movie.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • ThreadNanny Oven Liners provide a barrier between the oven bottom and potential splatter, catching debris before reaching the oven floor.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of catch
Verb
  • Detectives received formal charges from the Jefferson County District Attorney's office on the teen who was apprehended shortly after the shooting, Pickett announced in a press conference late Monday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Employees have become burned out and morally conflicted as their focus has shifted from pursuing drug smugglers and human traffickers to apprehending asylum seekers in courthouses and arresting day laborers at their worksites.
    — Francisco Cantú, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of apprehend
Verb
  • And yet, in all three of those games, the Knights were well on their way to a win only to have victory snatched from their grasp.
    — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Trying to shadow Illinois recruit Bennett Konkey, Reid Williams swooped in and snatched the ball out of the air.
    — Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of snatch
Verb
  • Sacramento City Unified leaders are pressing the city for notifications when ICE operates near schools after a parent was detained blocks from an elementary campus.
    — The Sacramento Bee staff, Sacbee.com, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Families are concerned that they will be immediately detained, advocates say.
    — Laura Romero, ABC News, 10 Nov. 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 12 Nov. 2026.

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