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
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Recent Examples of nabbing
The Patriots also improved at safety, nabbing Kevin Byard, and bolstered their offensive line with guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.
—
Chad Graff, New York Times, 1 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
For the first time in club history, the Rapids did not lose at BMO Stadium on Wednesday night, finally nabbing a point in the team’s 10th-ever trip to face the Black and Gold.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026
Swalwell was seen as a likely frontrunner in the California gubernatorial primary, nabbing a number of prominent union organizations’ endorsements ahead of the revelations.
—Jonathan Carter, The Hill, 13 Apr. 2026
Chad Graff, New York Times, 1 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
For the first time in club history, the Rapids did not lose at BMO Stadium on Wednesday night, finally nabbing a point in the team’s 10th-ever trip to face the Black and Gold.
—Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026
Swalwell was seen as a likely frontrunner in the California gubernatorial primary, nabbing a number of prominent union organizations’ endorsements ahead of the revelations.
—Jonathan Carter, The Hill, 13 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nabbing
Verb
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Goldman later cited a Manhattan federal district judge's late May ruling preventing ICE from arresting people attending immigration court during routine, mandatory check-ins.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
-
But the most arresting moments on Almost Waking come when Fratti opens her mouth.—
Jayson Greene,
Pitchfork,
2 June 2026
Verb
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The best know how to play through grabbing or shoving of various degrees.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
-
Wembanyama finished Game 6 with 28 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.—
Devon Henderson,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
Verb
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Survivors describe squeezing through treacherous tunnels and seizing a brief drop in water levels to walk out, as tearful scenes greeted their emergence and uncertainty lingers over the missing pair.—
Jintamas Saksornchai,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
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In recent years, the Houthis have demonstrated their ability to disrupt maritime navigation near Bab al-Mandeb by attacking, seizing and sinking vessels passing through its waters.—
CNN Staff,
CNN Money,
29 May 2026
Verb
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The campaign is set on the streets of Los Angeles, catching Cameli in off-duty moments with candid, understated and personal imagery.—
Jaden Thompson,
Footwear News,
2 June 2026
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Who will emerge as new quarterback Malik Willis’ biggest pass-catching threat?—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
2 June 2026
Verb
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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.—
Caroline Zimmerman
May 28,
Kansas City Star,
28 May 2026
-
Federal immigration agents fanned across the city, apprehending workers at car washes, garment businesses, Home Depots and other locations.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2026
Verb
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She was booked and charged with two counts of battery, robbery by snatching and criminal mischief.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
3 June 2026
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Five people were arrested last week after a months-long investigation into a series of chain-snatching robberies in San Francisco, police said on Wednesday.—
Kassia Bonesteel,
CBS News,
27 May 2026
Verb
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Hurley has previously shared her advice for capturing the perfect bikini photo.—
Ashley Hume,
FOXNews.com,
1 June 2026
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If the company wants to pay off that story, one path would be Omega finally capturing the championship before defending it against Ospreay at Wembley Stadium.—
Rob Wolkenbrod,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nabbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nabbing. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
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