1
as in arresting
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 grabbing
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
a pickpocket nabbed my wallet
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nabbing
After nabbing possession from Mendy, his shot cannoned back off the near post.
—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
But Brunson and Bridges were able to pull off another win their junior year, nabbing the 2018 NCAA championship together, before declaring for the NBA draft.
—
Matt Nighswander,
NBC news,
18 June 2026
Suzuki also recorded an outfield assist in the first by nabbing Bryce Eldridge trying to stretch a single into a double.
—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2026
Images of Life divides Lucas’ career into three chronological and loose stylistic categories, each nabbing an LP of its own.
—
Grayson Haver Currin,
Pitchfork,
23 May 2026
Chef Depina of The 7th Street Standard, last year’s People’s Choice winner, still had a good showing, nabbing second place in both categories.
—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
20 May 2026
Thanks to Durán nabbing Mookie Betts trying to steal as part of a strikeout double play to end the first inning and Shohei Ohtani trying to steal second after a leadoff walk in the fourth, King had thrown just 73 pitches heading into the sixth inning.
—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 May 2026
In a reflection of its growing Hollywood clout, YouTube last year inked a deal for exclusive global rights to the Oscars awards ceremony beginning in 2029 and running through 2033, nabbing the media rights from Disney’s ABC.
—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2026
On Friday, April 24, the Illinois Lottery announced in a press release that a DuPage County resident, who hasn't been named, was the latest winner after purchasing a Millionaire Club Instant Ticket, nabbing the $1 million prize fund.
—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
27 Apr. 2026
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
But Brunson and Bridges were able to pull off another win their junior year, nabbing the 2018 NCAA championship together, before declaring for the NBA draft.
—
Matt Nighswander,
NBC news,
18 June 2026
Suzuki also recorded an outfield assist in the first by nabbing Bryce Eldridge trying to stretch a single into a double.
—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2026
Images of Life divides Lucas’ career into three chronological and loose stylistic categories, each nabbing an LP of its own.
—
Grayson Haver Currin,
Pitchfork,
23 May 2026
Chef Depina of The 7th Street Standard, last year’s People’s Choice winner, still had a good showing, nabbing second place in both categories.
—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
20 May 2026
Thanks to Durán nabbing Mookie Betts trying to steal as part of a strikeout double play to end the first inning and Shohei Ohtani trying to steal second after a leadoff walk in the fourth, King had thrown just 73 pitches heading into the sixth inning.
—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 May 2026
In a reflection of its growing Hollywood clout, YouTube last year inked a deal for exclusive global rights to the Oscars awards ceremony beginning in 2029 and running through 2033, nabbing the media rights from Disney’s ABC.
—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2026
On Friday, April 24, the Illinois Lottery announced in a press release that a DuPage County resident, who hasn't been named, was the latest winner after purchasing a Millionaire Club Instant Ticket, nabbing the $1 million prize fund.
—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
27 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nabbing
Verb
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An Observer reporter witnessed officers arresting one individual wearing a custom face mask and another who was placed in the back of a police four-wheeler.
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Making a comeback on the Milan men’s calendar after a decade’s absence and under new ownership, Caruso made a big impression with its breezy and slyly nonchalant tailoring done up in an arresting array of unusual colors.
Verb
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Farage, Reform’s attention-grabbing but divisive leader, was a curiously low-key presence.
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With that in mind, if the Pacers want to acquire a draft pick, following their past and grabbing one in the 30s makes good sense.
Verb
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Hezbollah and Israel went to war shortly after the outbreak of the wider conflict, with Hezbollah firing rockets and drones at civilian communities in northern Israel and Israel seizing large swaths of southern Lebanon.
-
Federal immigration agents were seizing people across the city.
Verb
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Residents and visitors line downtown streets waving flags, children scramble for the best candy-catching spots along the parade route, and families spend the day enjoying pancake breakfasts, baseball and an evening fireworks show.
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Rushing’s injury could have suddenly put the Dodgers’ catching situation in a precarious position.
Verb
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Police posted video of the raid on social media, showing officers collecting evidence at the scene and apprehending the suspect.
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The Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office, United States Marshals Service and New Mexico State Police assisted in apprehending Jones, Hann said.
Verb
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Two balls, two strikes and the Vibe on the verge of snatching back some momentum.
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Hart willingly did the dirty work, snatching up rebounds rather than points.
Verb
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With her mother capturing the encounter on camera, Myah recently came face-to-face with the unexpected visitor in her Riverside Park neighborhood.
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These inputs are for capturing vocals and acoustic instruments with zero hiss.
Cite this Entry
“Nabbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nabbing. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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