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

In nabbing Purdy’s 4-yard, desperation heave before cornerback Riq Woolen could with 1 1/2 minutes to go, Tonges put himself on the NFL map as a fourth-year veteran. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2026

In an attempt to revive her career, Liz ends up nabbing an adult film gig in which Ryan becomes her scene partner. — Entertainment Weekly, 13 Aug. 2026

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 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