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 After nabbing a minority stake in Puma earlier this year, Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group is investing in another troubled sportswear company. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026 At The Disco’s Brendon Urie, nabbed the Best Visual Effects award. — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2026 The Phillies could also nab a spot in the playoffs if the Arizona Diamondbacks lose to the San Diego Padres Sunday afternoon. — Cbs News Philadelphia Staff, CBS News, 27 Sep. 2026 Instead of its famous Stars, Michelin awards the world’s best hotels with Keys — and a Charlotte hotspot has once again nabbed this coveted honor. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 23 Sep. 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
  • Choudri also made headlines earlier this year after the authority put him on leave after police arrested him at his Folsom home following a fight between his daughter and fiancée.
    — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2026
  • In 2019, Italian police arrested three people in a scheme to sell at least 11,000 counterfeit bottles of Tignanello in Italy, Germany and Belgium, labeled as 2009, 2010 and 2011 vintages but filled with low-quality wine.
    — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of arrest
Verb
  • Ditto for the reinterpretation of thong sandals that grabbed attention at Givenchy and Jean Paul Gaultier, or the clear vinyl-like styles seen at Balenciaga, Chloé, Simone Rocha, Stella McCartney and Moschino, among others.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Mel Ismail, a 56-year-old father, was rescued by another surfer who just happened to show up at the beach and was willing to risk his own life by grabbing his board and heading towards the bloody water.
    — Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of grab
Verb
  • Meanwhile in 2023, the company seized the opportunity to launch on TikTok Shop with select brands shortly after the platform’s Stateside debut, and has since continued to innovate there through live-selling and cutting-edge creator partnerships.
    — Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The document notes that a bailiff has previously seized and auctioned property from the premises, but that has not met the debt.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of seize
Verb
  • Doechii’s latest release caught the attention of Doja Cat, who pleaded with rap fans from all walks of life to press play.
    — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 12 Oct. 2026
  • He gets caught in a rainstorm with the main character, a destitute fourth grader.
    — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of catch
Verb
  • Several Palestinians suspected of hurling rocks were apprehended for questioning, the military said in a statement.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The hanged man, John Morgan, had been jailed, tried for murder, and convicted, before escaping jail, getting apprehended, and being executed—all in ten days, Mellinger said.
    — Oliver Whang, New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of apprehend
Verb
  • Someone does not have to be snatched off the street by another person to exploit their vulnerability.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Fashion Month only ended yesterday, but Emma D’Arcy has already snatched one of the season’s hottest looks straight off the runway.
    — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of snatch
Verb
  • New details emerged late Monday about what allegedly occurred on board the flight and in the aftermath when Blair was detained at JFK and transported to a local hospital.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Another man detained by officers, identified as 25-year-old Adrian Liscano Ramos of Santa Rosa, was on probation.
    — Tim Fang, CBS News, 13 Oct. 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 14 Oct. 2026.

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