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
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Recent Examples of nab
While Becerra on Friday nabbed a spot in the June 2 primary and will advance to the November general election, Hilton has not officially been declared a victor by the Associated Press, as of Tuesday afternoon.
—
Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
An ex-con cybersecurity expert, Daniel is among a group of whistleblowers from the shady agency WARDEX who nabbed evidence of a massive, nearly 80-year cover-up that, if revealed, would be a turning point for civilization.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 June 2026
When guests come to town, Winke tries to nab the one apartment that comes with a rooftop terrace and bell tower views.
—Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026
But on the hit, which scored pinch-runner Sophia Cabral from second base, Mater Dei Catholic center fielder Bella Harris threw a strike to third baseman Gianna Flores to nab a runner racing from first.
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for nab
Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2026
An ex-con cybersecurity expert, Daniel is among a group of whistleblowers from the shady agency WARDEX who nabbed evidence of a massive, nearly 80-year cover-up that, if revealed, would be a turning point for civilization.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 June 2026
When guests come to town, Winke tries to nab the one apartment that comes with a rooftop terrace and bell tower views.
—Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026
But on the hit, which scored pinch-runner Sophia Cabral from second base, Mater Dei Catholic center fielder Bella Harris threw a strike to third baseman Gianna Flores to nab a runner racing from first.
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 7 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for nab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nab
Verb
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The woman briefly tried to evade authorities on foot before being arrested, according to the release.—
Sean Campbell,
Sacbee.com,
12 June 2026
-
Bryan has been arrested on multiple DUI and domestic violence charges in the past several years.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Grant asks Chris about the boxing gloves now for sale in the night store, but Katie forestalls him by running over and grabbing them, nearly flattening Chris.—
Tasha Robinson,
Vulture,
16 June 2026
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Demonstrators grabbed bricks from the ground to throw at police, as tear gas was deployed in Geneva's streets, witnesses told Reuters.—
Landon Mion,
FOXNews.com,
15 June 2026
Verb
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For Portugal’s Vitinha, 26, Brazil’s Vinicius Junior and Norway’s Haaland, both 25, and France’s Michael Olise, 24, there might be no better opportunity to seize.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
11 June 2026
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The Spurs made 14 3-pointers, a Finals record for one half, to seize control of this game in a stunning display of shot-making and poise.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
If caught in a rip current, remain calm.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
18 June 2026
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Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
18 June 2026
Verb
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Boelter then fled the scene and was on the run for two days before being apprehended near his home in Green Isle following a massive manhunt.—
Ben Brachfeld,
PEOPLE,
11 June 2026
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Lewis was apprehended by officers on the 2100 block of Girard Avenue, police said.—
Tom Ignudo,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
Verb
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Armed men snatched a highly respected security expert earlier this week in one of the few places in the capital city of Haiti to be considered relatively safe.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
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Donate your knick-knacks to the thrift store for the true collectors to snatch up.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
12 June 2026
Verb
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She was detained by ICE in April and released last month, though her deportation case is still active.—
Camilo Montoya-Galvez,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
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Federal officials noted Kim was the first person detained and returned to the United States from Laos.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nab. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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