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 Amaya, the catcher, then threw it to third baseman Bregman to nab Josh Bell, who had taken a big turn. — Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026 Head to Amazon to nab the blouse shoppers are buying in multiples, then keep scrolling for more breezy tops inspired by her look. — Taylor Jean Stephan, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026 Some of these companies, including Thinking Machines, have nabbed substantial sums from investors before releasing any products. — Shirin Ghaffary, Fortune, 15 July 2026 The distributor extended its streak of Palme d’Or pick-ups by nabbing Cristian Mungiu’s Fjord. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 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
  • The teen’s remains were found in September in the trunk of a Tesla that belongs to the singer, and D4vd was arrested in April.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 25 July 2026
  • Her government has cracked down on fuel theft and arrested dozens of current and former local officials – including some from Morena – accused of colluding with crime groups.
    — Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
Definition of arrest
Verb
  • Photos appear to show one such altercation, with a fan attempting to grab Preston from the sideline.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
  • And once the stars are out, the fire pits come to life, where kids of all ages can enjoy s’mores by grabbing a kit from the front desk.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Definition of grab
Verb
  • Now protesters are using that same platform to mock his administration, ridicule pro-government television news coverage, transform confrontation with police into viral content and seize control of the online narrative.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
  • Investigators also seized boxes that had been resealed and were ready to ship, packages containing modeling clay instead of fragrance products, additional modeling clay, a heat gun, glue and packaging materials, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
    — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 25 July 2026
Definition of seize
Verb
  • That also includes 2025, when he was traded midseason from the Eagles to the Jets, and in nine games for New York caught 29 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns.
    — Alex Zietlow July 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026
  • Along with 2,460 rushing yards at Nebraska, Johnson caught 92 passes for 702 yards.
    — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
Definition of catch
Verb
  • Garcia then ran into the neighborhood, prosecutors said, before authorities chased him down and apprehended him.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026
  • Garcia then fled the scene but was soon apprehended by police in Brockport, about 20 miles west of Rochester.
    — Niya Doyle, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
Definition of apprehend
Verb
  • Naturally, these are almost immediately snatched up by couples.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • Her brand’s Le Skin Weightless Serum Foundation is so lightweight and breathable because it’s supposed to be used on top of that contour and highlight to create a seamlessly blended yet snatched look.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 26 July 2026
Definition of snatch
Verb
  • This spring, the FBI detained a former aide to Fauci, and federal officials banned a virus researcher in North Carolina from receiving federal funding.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • Police detained Schmidt twice during the altercation, originally placing him into the police vehicle after the officer shot his black Labrador, according to eyewitness Paul Bates.
    — Gabe White, Arkansas Online, 21 July 2026
Definition of detain

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nab
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Cite this Entry

“Nab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nab. Accessed 29 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of nab for Spanish Speakers

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