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
Now, DeLuz just wants to make sure Hilton nabs one of those top two spots, especially after intense sparring with fading Republican candidate Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
—
Terry Collins, USA Today, 1 June 2026
The Patriots also improved at safety, nabbing Kevin Byard, and bolstered their offensive line with guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.
—Chad Graff, New York Times, 1 June 2026
Shiloh, 15, nabbed a tan Gabriela Hearst dress Jolie wore earlier that summer for the same Eternals premiere.
—Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026
Her role as the voice of Lady Whistledown has nabbed her 4 Emmy nominations—and one win, in 2025.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for nab
Terry Collins, USA Today, 1 June 2026
The Patriots also improved at safety, nabbing Kevin Byard, and bolstered their offensive line with guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.
—Chad Graff, New York Times, 1 June 2026
Shiloh, 15, nabbed a tan Gabriela Hearst dress Jolie wore earlier that summer for the same Eternals premiere.
—Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026
Her role as the voice of Lady Whistledown has nabbed her 4 Emmy nominations—and one win, in 2025.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for nab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nab
Verb
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Gledhill was arrested and transported to Van Nuys Jail, where he was booked on suspicion of murder.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2026
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Jacqueline Denise Robinson, 58, was arrested Thursday following an investigation into financial exploitation involving elderly victims.—
Kairi Lowery,
Miami Herald,
5 June 2026
Verb
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There’s plenty to see and do on this one street—stop by Colonial Park Cemetery, established in 1750; the Juliet Gordon Low Birthplace Museum, honoring the founder of the Girl Scouts; then grab a bite at Marbled & Fin, where luxe appetizers and aged steaks reign supreme.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 June 2026
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After Corbin made his introduction to the Islanders as a whole back at the fire pit, Melanie was the first to grab him for a chat.—
Carolyn Burt,
Oc Register,
9 June 2026
Verb
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In April, Ukraine actually took back more land than Russia seized for the first time since 2024.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
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Metcalf's father has condemned those who have seized on the race of the teenagers after the killing.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 June 2026
Verb
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Wait, so then why did Benji and the cameras catch him pouring whiskey into his solo cup?—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
4 June 2026
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Owner Conner Mitchell, former manager Taylor Grant, boat owner Gilmer Grant and boat captain Cody Martin were all involved in catching local fish such as yellowtail, rockfish and Pacific tuna.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
Verb
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Odd moment plagues fourth quarter As the Knicks held on to their fairly sizable lead, a fan ran onto the court, tried to take a selfie with Wembanyama but was quickly apprehended by security.—
Jacob Lev,
CNN Money,
4 June 2026
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Akindahunsi was then apprehended by UCLA police officers near a parking structure.—
Gina Kalsi,
PEOPLE,
4 June 2026
Verb
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After the evil Skeletor (Jared Leto) snatches his parents, Adam is plucked out of Eternia and returns years later from the human world to assume his true identity as He-Man and save the planet.—
Matt Minton,
Variety,
6 June 2026
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Varley then threw three cups of water and ice at the employee, snatched his nametag off his suit jacket and broke four glasses by dropping them on the floor, according to what staff told police in the affidavit.—
Silas Morgan,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 June 2026
Verb
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France has asked for its public prosecutor to investigate the treatment of French nationals who were detained by Israel after taking part in a flotilla headed for Gaza, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said today.—
Jay Ganglani,
NBC news,
29 May 2026
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Deluzio also said he was forbidden from speaking with Randy Cordova Flores, a Peruvian father who was arrested in January and is being detained at the facility.—
Finch Walker,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nab. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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