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

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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 With that in mind, Jackson suggests that guests head to the depot a little early to nab the perfect spot. — Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2026 Good Will Hunting nabbed both Matt Damon and Ben Affleck Oscars for Best Original Screenplay and shot them both out of a cannon into a new level of fame—but the two men were broke after making the 1997 film, Damon said in a new interview. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026 Federal immigration authorities are focused on nabbing people who have overstayed visas and are traveling domestically. — Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 6 Aug. 2026 Speaking with Tampa Bay News 10, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission program coordinator Sarah Funck confirmed that professional python hunter Tom Rahill received $10,000 for personally nabbing 96 of the apex predators. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 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
  • In May 2019, San Jose police retrieved the suspects’ phones from the arresting agencies and found photos taken inside a San Jose hotel two days before Tran’s killing.
    — Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Keyan Rundell, 17, of DeLand, was arrested Wednesday in the July 28 killing of Dustin Rose, 19, and Samson Campbell, 18.
    — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of arrest
Verb
  • Profanity also grabs attention since the shock value of an F-bomb can lead to more media coverage and clips circulating on social media.
    — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Alice slowly gets Marshall to lie on the floor, grabs the bottle of whiskey, and pours it into his mouth with glee.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of grab
Verb
  • At home, Indian authorities moved aggressively, seizing his properties and luxury assets, from high-end cars to jewelry and artworks.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • President Min Aung Hlaing, the former army chief who had originally seized power in 2021 from Suu Kyi’s civilian government, has been trying to win political legitimacy since the takeover and resume relations with ASEAN.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of seize
Verb
  • Also, after the first round, each mini-game has a separate metagame, where one or more players have a secret goal to meet without getting caught.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Many fans have been playing the game for years and aren't necessarily into a radical change on such a huge mechanic like catching passes.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of catch
Verb
  • But on Sunday morning, as the couple walked out of their rideshare outside Midway Airport, they were apprehended by federal immigration agents.
    — Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Having spotted Sheepstealer earlier in the episode, Addam arrives with Rhaenyra to apprehend the wild dragon’s rider.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of apprehend
Verb
  • The toddler son of national hero Charles Lindbergh was snatched from his bed in his parents’ home in the middle of the night.
    — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Questions about his age and passing ability may have led teams to skip King during the draft in April, but the Panthers snatched him up in free agency immediately afterward.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of snatch
Verb
  • Deputies detained the suspect, later identified as Taele, and located his vehicle in the golf club's parking lot, the sheriff's department said.
    — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Deputies detained Farinacci the same day about a half-mile from where the fire started and questioned him, but he was ultimately released, Nowels said.
    — Dennis Romero, NBC news, 4 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 12 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of nab for Spanish Speakers

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