Synonyms of nabbing

nabbing

verb

present participle of nab

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

• arresting
• seizing
• grabbing
• apprehending
• restraining
• detaining
• capturing
• snatching
• nailing
• nicking
• committing
• pinching
• catching
• busting
• running in
• pulling in
• collaring
• jailing
• snaring
• trapping
• picking up
• bagging
• imprisoning
• hooking
• incarcerating
• landing
• getting
• confining
• holding
• grappling
• snapping (up)
• handcuffing
• interning
• locking (up)
• binding
• remanding
• jugging
• shackling
• fettering
• immuring
• manacling
• trammeling
• enchaining
• rearresting

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharging
• releasing
• springing
• freeing
• loosening
• liberating
• loosing
• emancipating
• unchaining
• unbinding

2

as in grabbing

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

a pickpocket nabbed my wallet

Synonyms & Similar Words

• grabbing
• catching
• snatching
• seizing
• capturing
• snagging
• getting
• landing
• snaring
• trapping
• bagging
• corralling
• hooking
• nailing
• netting
• copping
• collaring
• grappling
• rapping
• taking hold (of)
• snapping (up)
• glomming
• arresting
• clutching
• nobbling
• securing
• holding
• apprehending
• grasping
• detaining
• roping
• lassoing
• clasping
• gripping
• kidnapping
• cornering
• abducting
• gloving
• ensnaring
• entrapping
• baying
• wresting
• haltering
• entangling
• fastening (on)
• rending
• latching (on or onto)
• meshing
• fisting
• enmeshing
• spiriting (away or off)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• missing
• releasing
• freeing
• discharging
• liberating
• dropping
• loosening
• unhanding

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nabbing

Federal immigration authorities are focused on nabbing people who have overstayed visas and are traveling domestically. — Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 6 Aug. 2026

Speaking with Tampa Bay News 10, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission program coordinator Sarah Funck confirmed that professional python hunter Tom Rahill received $10,000 for personally nabbing 96 of the apex predators. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Aug. 2026

The Giants would’ve had a shot at nabbing Arozarena at second, but shortstop Willy Adames was late covering the bag and Arozarena dove safely into second without a throw. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 19 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

Santos is an intelligent player with lots of potential, and United nabbing him from a ‘Big Six’ rival is the sort of clever deal that can keep them agile and competitive elsewhere in the summer transfer market. — Carl Anka, New York Times, 13 July 2026

Arienne Mandi joined as a new series regular, nabbing the role of Officer Eva Imani for Season 13. — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 2 July 2026

Take after the actress’ look by nabbing this cute, cushioned, and comfortable pair by Vivaia, which Julia Roberts happened to sport earlier this month. — Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 22 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