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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nabbing
Any python-nabbing excursion requires adequate prep work to ensure everyone stays safe—and actually hunts the proper animals.
—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
2 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
Jackass fans appear pleased with the celebration that combines a look back at classic stunts alongside an array of new footage, with Best and Last nabbing an A- CinemaScore.
—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
27 June 2026
After nabbing possession from Mendy, his shot cannoned back off the near post.
—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
23 June 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
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
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
2 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
Jackass fans appear pleased with the celebration that combines a look back at classic stunts alongside an array of new footage, with Best and Last nabbing an A- CinemaScore.
—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
27 June 2026
After nabbing possession from Mendy, his shot cannoned back off the near post.
—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
23 June 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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nabbing
Verb
-
Set the scene Set in a handsome Edwardian building off The Strand, One Aldywch is an arresting presence, not least because of the jutting angle of the front end of its facade (New York's Flatiron will spring to mind).
-
Police might no longer need to issue written warnings and give people a chance to gather their belongings and relocate before arresting them for public camping.
Verb
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Americans are grabbing their passports and fleeing the country in hopes of leaving the nation’s problems behind.
-
Swanson argues those behind-the-scenes improvements have done more to modernize logistics than many of the industry’s headline-grabbing automation projects.
Verb
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Authorities served a search warrant at the rescue on May 1, seizing electronics, business records, financial records, firearms, and other evidence, according to the sheriff.
-
For leadership teams worldwide, this requires striking a careful balance between responding to immediate disruption and seizing arising opportunities to bolster growth.
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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Heim, the 2024 truck series champion who will move full time into Cup next season with 23XI Racing, led the final three laps after snatching first from teammate Tyler Reddick.
-
Qatar trailed for more than 70 minutes against Switzerland before snatching its draw with a 94th-minute goal from Miro Muheim.
Verb
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The first, Fluid Lensing, is a custom algorithm that removes wave distortion in real time, capturing crystal-clear, high-resolution images of the seafloor.
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Underground, buried fiber-optic cables can sense movement, capturing data that are also then analyzed by AI.
Cite this Entry
“Nabbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nabbing. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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