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
Relevance
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
Behind-the-scenes, The Tennessean nabbed interviews with the stars about new music, performing at CMA Fest and their go-to karaoke songs.
—
Bryan West, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Portland, Maine? Newsflash: Austin, Texas, didn't nab the top spot on Yardbarker's list of America's best foodie destinations.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Another option would be to nab a senior executive from a consumer company that works extensively with supermarkets.
—Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
To spot clean carpets and upholstery, nab the Bissell Little Green Max Pet Cleaner.
—Isabel Garcia, People.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for nab
Bryan West, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025
Portland, Maine? Newsflash: Austin, Texas, didn't nab the top spot on Yardbarker's list of America's best foodie destinations.
—Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Another option would be to nab a senior executive from a consumer company that works extensively with supermarkets.
—Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
To spot clean carpets and upholstery, nab the Bissell Little Green Max Pet Cleaner.
—Isabel Garcia, People.com, 28 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for nab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nab
Verb
-
During the operation, agents arrested approximately 200 people suspected of being in the country illegally and identified at least 10 immigrant children on the sites.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 July 2025
-
Soon, he was arrested on suspicion of felony resisting arrest.—
Jeff McDonald,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 July 2025
Verb
-
Order fish tacos or fresh salads at Bad Boy Burrito; grab at coffee at Cafe Moka; shop for clothing and gifts at Miss Monroe Boutique; and browse the open-air stalls at boo kee sue Botanics for handmade textiles, ceramics, and more.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
12 July 2025
-
Pick up seasonal staples like this breezy maxi dress and these Crocs recovery slides to comfortably beat the heat, or grab year-round closet staples like these classic Levi’s jeans and this timeless button-down shirt by Gap.—
Clara McMahon,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
Yemen’s war began when the Houthis seized Sanaa in 2014.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
10 July 2025
-
One media entrepreneur has already seized part of the Fyre opportunity.—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
Not just for her, but for everyone caught in the middle of this.—
Mekishana Pierre,
EW.com,
10 July 2025
-
In our extremely online era, anyone caught in an internet backlash should understand that the best response is to say nothing at all—drama will pass once the subject ceases making more content.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
Police say Grimes was apprehended by Cincinnati police's homicide unit with assistance from the fugitive apprehension squad.—
Hailey Roden,
The Enquirer,
11 July 2025
-
The fourth suspect, who stayed inside of the vehicle, was also apprehended, police said.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
As the old adage goes, the early bird gets the worm—the same can be applied to snatching up the best Prime Day beauty deals!—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
9 July 2025
-
The supe-fighting Boys went on the run, but nearly all of them got snatched by Homelander's personal supe army — with the exception of Starlight and Karl Urban's Butcher.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
3 July 2025
Verb
-
The state has refused to make public a roster of detainees at Alligator Alcatraz, instead offering selective information about who is being detained there.—
Ana Ceballos,
Miami Herald,
13 July 2025
-
In Spring Valley earlier this month, sheriff’s deputies were called in as federal agents conducting immigration enforcement detained two people on a residential street.—
Alexandra Mendoza,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nab. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share