1
as in seizes
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 grabs
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 nabs
McEntire is up to four top 10s, Wilson claims her seventh, while Cyrus nabs her milestone twentieth top 10 bestseller.
—
Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Quavo, likewise, nabs his third champ among his solo outings.
—Trevor Anderson, Billboard, 27 Jan. 2026
In a new 'acquihire,' Google nabs top talent from voice AI startup Hume.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026
The Best Apple AirTag Deal The Apple AirTag nabs our Editors' Choice award for the best Bluetooth tracker.
—PC Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025
And Delbis, a newcomer on the autism spectrum, nabs a breakthrough performance playing Don as he’s torn between two strong-willed personas.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
Before somebody else nabs him first.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
India nabs a noteworthy launch contract.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
Gray is the big discovery, as the kid actor nabs the break of a lifetime to star alongside Gosling in a Star Wars feature.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025
Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Quavo, likewise, nabs his third champ among his solo outings.
—Trevor Anderson, Billboard, 27 Jan. 2026
In a new 'acquihire,' Google nabs top talent from voice AI startup Hume.
—Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026
The Best Apple AirTag Deal The Apple AirTag nabs our Editors' Choice award for the best Bluetooth tracker.
—PC Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025
And Delbis, a newcomer on the autism spectrum, nabs a breakthrough performance playing Don as he’s torn between two strong-willed personas.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
Before somebody else nabs him first.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 20 Oct. 2025
India nabs a noteworthy launch contract.
—Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
Gray is the big discovery, as the kid actor nabs the break of a lifetime to star alongside Gosling in a Star Wars feature.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nabs
Verb
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Continue reading … MARITIME VICTORY — Coast Guard seizes 22,000 pounds of cocaine in largest bust in 18 years.—
,
FOXNews.com,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Unfortunately, though, she’s still possessed by the spirit of Mary Shelley, whose voice seizes her body with tiresome frequency.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In the kitchen, Wells grabs a round of dough resting in semolina flour.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
13 Mar. 2026
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Inspired, Larry grabs a random woman and kisses her on the mouth.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Department of Damage Control arrests Trevor.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
27 Jan. 2026
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The sheer scale of an estate for sale in San Francisco’s tony Pacific Heights neighborhood — a residence spanning 26,000 square feet, or the equivalent of 10 average homes — arrests the imagination.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Evans ranks 10th all time in TD catches and his 11 seasons with at least 1,000 yards receiving are second most ever to Jerry Rice’s 14.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Austin Hooper catches a touchdown in the 2017 Super Bowl.—
Tyler Estep,
AJC.com,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Neighbors are now living in fear, looking on as ICE apprehends people of color across Minnesota.—
Jason Rantala,
CBS News,
19 Jan. 2026
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The team successfully seizes two tons of gold and apprehends the leader of the criminal network.—
Isabella Wandermurem,
Time,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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There’s much for delight, but the drama lost steam in a confusing episode near the end, when a Snake (portrayed by Abrahamse) snatches the Prince away.—
Scott Cantrell,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Feb. 2026
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Maisie is a throw-away child in 1910, captivated by a poster of a magical French carousel, when an aunt snatches her out of poverty and takes her into the home of her wealthy employer, a British lord.—
Sandra Dallas,
Denver Post,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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What are your rights if ICE detains you?—
Laura Daniella Sepulveda,
AZCentral.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Independent groups like Human Rights Watch say the Venezuelan government intimidates human rights advocates, arrests and detains protesters and harasses journalists.—
Syra Ortiz Blanes,
Miami Herald,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This program first captures students’ imaginations with the magic of books, while imparting important foundational science and conservation lessons.—
Nancy S. Grasmick,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Mar. 2026
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The set also captures the Big 12 fan fest outside the T-Mobile Center on Grand Boulevard, showing fans dunking, concerts and people enjoying the downtown Kansas City vibes.—
Rashad Alexander,
Kansas City Star,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nabs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nabs. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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