1
as in to understand
to have a clear idea of
a critic with a sharp intellect that is able to seize the most subtle nuances of a work of art
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to arrest
to take or keep under one's control by authority of law
seized the leaders of one of the city's major drug rings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to grab
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
seized the escaping balloon just before it got out of reach
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to confiscate
to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right
Richard III seized the English throne from his brother Edward in 1483
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of seize
So, in June last year, the president seized the moment by crippling Iran’s nuclear enrichment facilities.
—
Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2026
Advertisement The Islamic Republic that has just lost its supreme leader is the product of that decision to abandon clerical quietism and seize the state.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 5 Mar. 2026
His phone was seized by police as evidence.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2026
Since November, the government has produced discovery materials on a rolling basis, including evidence seized from seven electronic devices, over 100,000 pages of financial records and telephone records, and over 800 pages of surveillance photographs, the filing Tuesday showed.
—Tom Winter, NBC news, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for seize
Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2026
Advertisement The Islamic Republic that has just lost its supreme leader is the product of that decision to abandon clerical quietism and seize the state.
—Bobby Ghosh, Time, 5 Mar. 2026
His phone was seized by police as evidence.
—Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2026
Since November, the government has produced discovery materials on a rolling basis, including evidence seized from seven electronic devices, over 100,000 pages of financial records and telephone records, and over 800 pages of surveillance photographs, the filing Tuesday showed.
—Tom Winter, NBC news, 5 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for seize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seize
Verb
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The condition isn't fully understood, as causes can range from mild to moderate head trauma, to pre-existing inner ear diseases, and treatment is confined largely to a physical therapy exercise called the Epley maneuver.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Mar. 2026
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Talarico clearly understands the task ahead.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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After a series of field sobriety tests, Spears was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail.—
Derek Lawrence,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Mar. 2026
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Britney Spears arrested The pop superstar was arrested Wednesday night on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to the California Highway Patrol.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Heo re-holstered his Taser, intending to apprehend Best by grabbing or tackling him, Prescott said.—
Kellie Love,
Hartford Courant,
9 Mar. 2026
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While the two men struggle with the jammed backdoor, Weisz’s character tosses them both a look before rushing toward the flames to grab her unfinished manuscript, written on legal pads, and dashing out of the cabin just in time.—
Meg Walters,
Glamour,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Prison staff shall confiscate all free-of-charge social accommodations currently in use.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Mar. 2026
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Desert Diamond Arena may confiscate items that could cause danger or disruption or are in breach of building policies.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Flagg, known for his competitive nature, talked about the most difficult part of not being able to play alongside his teammates.—
Mike Curtis,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Mar. 2026
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New York — For months, investors and analysts have kept a close eye on the shadowy corner of finance known as private credit, where alarm bells have stoked fears of a repeat of the 2008 financial crisis.—
Allison Morrow,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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State police apprehended a man who allegedly fled from police in New London on Tuesday following the report of someone showing a gun during an argument.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
5 Mar. 2026
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Security forces were ordered to apprehend anyone who attempted military activities from southern Lebanon.—
Rania Abouzeid,
New Yorker,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In his third season as starter, Maiava won’t have the benefit of one of college football’s best pass-catching pairs at his disposal.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
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Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Nikita Casap, 18, shot his mother and stepfather, stole $14,000, and fled the state before arrest in Kansas weeks later.—
Todd Richmond,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
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Learning from losing Anthony Edwards is stealing the superpowers of whoever defeats him.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Seize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seize. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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