Synonyms of seized

seized

verb

past tense of seize

1

as in understood

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

• understood
• knew
• grasped
• recognized
• saw
• deciphered
• comprehended
• appreciated
• got
• realized
• sensed
• apprehended
• discerned
• conceived
• perceived
• dug
• beheld
• made
• caught
• registered
• assimilated
• made out
• caught on (to)
• decoded
• picked up on
• tumbled (to)
• twigged
• savvied
• compassed
• intuited
• absorbed
• grokked
• cottoned (to or on to)
• digested
• cognized
• penetrated
• took in
• fathomed
• pierced

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• missed
• misunderstood
• misinterpreted
• mistook
• misconstrued
• misread
• misconceived
• misapprehended
• misperceived

2

as in arrested

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

• arrested
• grabbed
• apprehended
• detained
• restrained
• captured
• snatched
• pinched
• nabbed
• nicked
• nailed
• caught
• committed
• jailed
• pulled in
• busted
• ran in
• collared
• picked up
• imprisoned
• trapped
• incarcerated
• landed
• confined
• snared
• grappled
• held
• hooked
• snapped (up)
• handcuffed
• bound
• interned
• bagged
• got
• locked (up)
• shackled
• fettered
• remanded
• rearrested
• jugged
• manacled
• immured
• enchained
• trammeled

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• discharged
• released
• freed
• liberated
• sprang
• loosened
• loosed
• emancipated
• unbound
• unchained

3

as in grabbed

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

• grabbed
• caught
• snatched
• captured
• landed
• got
• nabbed
• trapped
• snagged
• netted
• snared
• corralled
• hooked
• grappled
• rapped
• snapped (up)
• bagged
• took hold (of)
• nailed
• copped
• arrested
• collared
• glommed
• held
• grasped
• clutched
• apprehended
• detained
• nobbled
• secured
• gripped
• kidnapped
• roped
• cornered
• gloved
• clasped
• wrested
• abducted
• lassoed
• ensnared
• entrapped
• fastened (on)
• rent
• fisted
• enmeshed
• entangled
• haltered
• meshed
• latched (on or onto)
• bayed
• spirited (away or off)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• missed
• released
• discharged
• freed
• liberated
• dropped
• loosened
• unhanded

4

as in confiscated

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

• confiscated
• grabbed
• stole
• converted
• usurped
• claimed
• occupied
• appropriated
• commandeered
• invaded
• annexed
• snatched
• pirated
• assumed
• preempted
• expropriated
• arrogated
• pressed
• looted
• took over
• attached
• impounded
• grasped
• repossessed
• despoiled
• sequestered
• wrenched
• pillaged
• encroached
• wrested
• infringed
• trespassed
• preoccupied
• misused
• embezzled
• collared
• misapplied
• misappropriated
• peculated

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of seized

Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, who voted against the proposal in mid-June, voiced fears that the list of noncitizen voters would immediately be seized by federal immigration authorities. — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026

Meanwhile, Russia’s military on Saturday claimed to have seized the city of Kostiantynivka, a key defensive hub in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region. — Patrick Reevell, ABC News, 4 July 2026

Rayan — Brazil/Bournemouth (new entry) Has seized the opportunity presented to him by Raphinha’s unfortunate injury with both hands. — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 4 July 2026

During the five World Cup games held in Arlington to this point, officials have seized over 70 drones as part of a counter-surveillance operation, the statement reads. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2026

At the same time, Democratic leaders, backed by a rabble, stormed City Hall and seized control of the local government. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 3 July 2026

But even as Moon landings, space shuttles, and reusable rockets seized the headlines, Link, along with a stubborn handful of engineers, explorers, and flat-out dreamers, kept plumbing the ocean instead. — Bill Gourgey, Popular Science, 2 July 2026

Six dogs believed to have been involved were seized as evidence and taken to the Tehama County Animal Shelter. — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026

Merchandise including counterfeit perfumes, Rolex watches, knockoff Knicks apparel, sunglasses, electronics and Labubus were seized, in addition to $145,000 in cash, police said. — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026