seize

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word seize different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of seize are clutch, grab, grasp, snatch, and take. While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," seize implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible.

seized the suspect

When might clutch be a better fit than seize?

While the synonyms clutch and seize are close in meaning, clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding.

clutching her purse

How are the words grab and snatch related as synonyms of seize?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch.

grabbed roughly by the arm

When is it sensible to use grasp instead of seize?

The words grasp and seize are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession.

grasp the handle and pull

How do snatch and seize relate to one another?

Snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize.

snatched a doughnut and ran

When could take be used to replace seize?

The words take and seize can be used in similar contexts, but take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control.

take some salad from the bowl

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of seize China and Russia are seizing the lead, expanding their domestic capacities as well as exporting nuclear technology and constructing nuclear power plants across a variety of emerging economies. Juzel Lloyd, Foreign Affairs, 28 Apr. 2025 Russia has also seized Ukrainian territory in the Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions since invading in February 2022. Arkansas Online, 27 Apr. 2025 All the efforts, big and small, culminated with Nemec, the No. 2 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, seizing a puck at his own blue line early in the second overtime. Peter Baugh, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025 These results suggest that media-savvy Democrats who seize this moment to call out Trump and the MAGA agenda could put themselves in a strong position to become the next leader of the Democratic Party. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for seize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seize
Verb
  • Consider making trade-offs Part of being a financially savvy adult is understanding that money management often comes with difficult trade-offs.
    Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Fox News Digital understands that As Ever, which is supposed to be an extension of Meghan’s past lifestyle blog The Tig, will not be designing clothing.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Thursday that 18 suspects have been arrested for alleged arson amid the inferno, which has spread across more than 5,000 acres in the foothills of Jerusalem over the past two days.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
  • When officers arrived on the scene a short time later, the victim and those who saved her were able to identify the suspect, and he was subsequently arrested.
    Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • The game ended appropriately with Minnesota’s Naz Reid grabbing an offensive rebound off a Timberwolves missed free throw attempt and hugging the ball like Minnesota hugged this victory.
    Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025
  • Decker was walking and pushing his bike when Nelson grabbed his backpack and attempted to detain him.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • The pair collaborated on searching freight shipments, storage units and vehicles to confiscate drugs, targeting marijuana in particular because it was stored locally rather than sent to the DEA, according to officials.
    Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Some of them have taken advantage of the departure of foreign and multinational corporations from Russia by buying depreciated assets or simply confiscating them, generally with the support of powerful insiders, such as the Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.
    ALEXANDER GABUEV, Foreign Affairs, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Martha Stewart previously slammed former friend Ina Garten The lifestyle maven is known to cook up beef with fellow lifestyle brand competitors, including taking aim at former friend Ina Garten in September.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Unfortunately, Seong-je knows no loyalty, and agrees to beat up Si-eun for Baek-jin on the morning of the fight.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • At the time, he was apprehended by Border Patrol and turned over to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) before being placed with a sponsor in Memphis.
    Greg Wehner , Bill Melugin, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
  • He was apprehended shortly thereafter and agreed to do an interview with investigators.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • The alleged thieves were caught and their trial began this week.
    Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Pacers will return home for Games 5 and 7 (if necessary), which means the Bucks would need to steal two road wins to advance.
    Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The return would be enough to steal Abbott from the Reds.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Seize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seize. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

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