Synonyms of nab

nab

verb

ˈnab 

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

• arrest
• seize
• grab
• apprehend
• detain
• restrain
• capture
• snatch
• catch
• run in
• commit
• pinch
• pull in
• nick
• nail
• pick up
• bust
• jail
• trap
• collar
• imprison
• get
• snare
• confine
• hook
• grapple
• hold
• snap (up)
• land
• incarcerate
• bind
• bag
• handcuff
• lock (up)
• intern
• immure
• remand
• jug
• shackle
• trammel
• enchain
• fetter
• manacle
• rearrest

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• release
• discharge
• liberate
• free
• loosen
• loose
• spring
• emancipate
• unchain
• unbind

2

as in to grab

to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly

a pickpocket nabbed my wallet

Synonyms & Similar Words

• grab
• catch
• snatch
• seize
• get
• capture
• snag
• land
• trap
• snare
• hook
• corral
• take hold (of)
• grapple
• cop
• snap (up)
• net
• nail
• bag
• rap
• glom
• nobble
• apprehend
• hold
• arrest
• detain
• collar
• grasp
• secure
• clutch
• rope
• kidnap
• glove
• grip
• bay
• entrap
• abduct
• ensnare
• corner
• wrest
• lasso
• clasp
• fist
• rend
• latch (on or onto)
• fasten (on)
• halter
• mesh
• entangle
• spirit (away or off)
• enmesh

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• miss
• release
• free
• liberate
• drop
• discharge
• loosen
• unhand

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nab

But these ventures are tiny compared to the ranchlands, timberlands, and cropfields many one-percenters are nabbing. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026

Later in the video, Reynolds and friends helped the raccoon nab a hot dog lying next to the hole by pushing it in, then offered another — both of which slid into the concrete hole effortlessly. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026

However, officers quickly nabbed him and took him into custody. — Briauna Brown, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

An in-house option for third base could be Bryson Stott, who has slid over there during the Phillies’ infield carousel to accommodate second baseman Luis Arraez, who the team nabbed at the trade deadline. — Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026