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 There, Shouhed had his phone and other belongings seized, Desimone wrote in the letter filed with the claim, adding that he was not given a medical evaluation. Julia Marnin, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025 Metropolitan Police officers are also said to have raided Clarke’s home, seizing items including laptops and documents. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 26 Sep. 2025 The owner of a Springfield Township horse park had 20 of his horses seized in August. Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Sep. 2025 The three dogs were seized by Oakland Animal Services and euthanized. Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for seize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seize
Verb
  • The first two abbreviations are easy enough to understand.
    Mark Phelan, USA Today, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Wilson understood the concerns of both local officials and residents and thanked them for meeting with his team to discuss the idea.
    Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The journalists were among 15 people arrested during the July 17 demonstration held in support of Imam Ayman Soliman, an Egyptian immigrant and former Cincinnati Children's chaplain who was detained by ICE several days before.
    Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
  • The cops showed up and arrested him for God knows what, but Lee definitely didn’t serve four days and one morning for protesting apartheid or being gay in Victorian England.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Today is the last day to grab a lifetime license for Windows 11 Pro for only $13 (reg.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2025
  • As the clock expired on a win Brian Daboll desperately needed, the New York Giants coach grabbed rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart.
    Dan Duggan, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Once confiscated, the plants spend the rest of their lives at the botanical garden, where their seeds can be banked for future conservation projects.
    John Leos, AZCentral.com, 26 Sep. 2025
  • During the latest protests in Indonesia, authorities confiscated banners and labeled them treasonous.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Head and the Heart is an American indie folk band formed in Seattle who are known for their harmonious vocal blends and heartfelt lyrics.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2025
  • According to Hays, who is representing Richard and Holly, no such conspiracy existed, and whether or not Richard and Holly knew whether the money went to boys’ ranches is irrelevant, since Baker’s case was focused on violating estray laws, not any financial motivation.
    Mitch Moxley, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Security finally realized what was going on and apprehended the trespassing fan while Ne-Yo didn’t miss a beat of his performance.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Grieshaber said officers will also work with local law enforcement to conduct patrols and apprehend high-risk and repeat offenders.
    Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Information that was missing also caught the attention of the experts Joan consulted.
    Shaun McKinnon, AZCentral.com, 30 Sep. 2025
  • During a two-point conversion play, Jennings caught the ball in the endzone, but was smashed between two Jaguars defenders.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The play that drew Reeve’s ire was Alyssa Thomas stealing the ball from Napheesa Collier near the 3-point line and going toward the other end of the court for the game-sealing layup.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Thankfully, my passport wasn’t stolen, nor was it stranded somewhere in the middle of the rainforest (my worst fear at the time).
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Seize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seize. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on seize

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