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
  • Trump administration takes aim at climate change The Trump administration is continuing to pursue its pledge to prioritize American energy independence and scale back the federal government's plans to understand and prevent climate change.
    Doyle Rice, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • During the court hearing, the Florida Highway Patrol was the only agency mentioned as an arresting agency in those cases, including the one of the U.S. citizen.
    Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Two people are dead and a man who held Sacramento police at bay for hours before surrendering early Friday has been arrested in the slayings.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Antetokounmpo finished the game by scoring 36 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and blocking two shots.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
  • So grab a pencil, a few colors or a coloring book and enjoy your boosted brain power.
    Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 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
  • Secret Service apprehended another suspect, weeks later, Ryan Routh, who was armed on a golf course where Trump was playing.
    Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Police apprehended 38-year-old Cody Balmer in connection with the incident, and search warrants alleged that the suspect admitted to the crimes.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 18 Apr. 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 return would be enough to steal Abbott from the Reds.
    Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 Apr. 2025
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

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

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