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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 Pittsburgh International Airport nabbed a top spot among North America's best medium airports based on its customer satisfaction scores, according to a recent study by JD Power. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2026 In a competitive situation, Hulu has nabbed Hard Feelings, a rom-com series created by and starring actress/comedian/writer Mary Beth Barone. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2026 The Police Department has cracked down on speeding and street racing in recent years using drones and other technology to nab offenders, Oldoerp said. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026 For all five seasons, the series nabbed awards for crafts like casting, cinematography, sound editing and mixing, art direction, and more. — Keith Langston, Entertainment Weekly, 15 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
  • Police arrested a suspect in connection with the discovery of the first woman's body on July 15 in Kempton Park.
    — Rael Ombuor The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Last October, investigators with the Vernon Police Department arrested Pietras and charged him with 20 counts of second-degree larceny and 60 counts of intent to defraud funeral service contracts.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of arrest
Verb
  • An urge strong enough to pull me away from the kitchen, grab my computer, and steal a table outside to scribble out my thoughts.
    — Samantha Rees, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The video then shows the deputy grabbing the wallet and opening it, showing Bolduc and the bodycam the contents.
    — Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of grab
Verb
  • Weapons and drugs were seized after an investigation led to two search warrants in the City of Wyoming in late August.
    — Karma Sabbah, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026
  • The civil war dates back to 2014, when the Houthis seized much of northern Yemen, including the capital, Sanaa.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of seize
Verb
  • The animal was far from sprinting, instead taking a relaxed stroll at a speed surprisingly comparable to a human walking briskly to catch a bus.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Douglas, who had five catches for 94 yards in the opener, was targeted just three times, catching two for 19 yards and dropping the third.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of catch
Verb
  • After crash landing on the dark world directly onto the homing beacon, EO and his crazy crew are apprehended by a gang of warrior henchmen and hauled into the throne room to face the wicked alien ruler who is imprisoned in anger and hate.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • In early September, London apprehended a British national hired by the Russian intelligence services to sabotage a drone factory in the United Kingdom.
    — Franklin C. Miller, Foreign Affairs, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of apprehend
Verb
  • Not just college kids, but Others cheering for Texas’ football team and snatching up Texas’ degrees.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Sanders allegedly snatched a cigarette from one employee’s mouth and berated him for smoking.
    — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of snatch
Verb
  • Video taken after the shooting and obtained by CNN shows Garces Perez sitting on a curb with his hands cuffed behind his back as he’s detained by authorities.
    — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Officers responded, detained and identified him, according to the department.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 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 23 Sep. 2026.

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