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 The feds seized at least two phones from Montgomery, according to the new records. Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 10 May 2025 After Wiggins was found, all of the items were seized as evidence. Bailey Richards, People.com, 10 May 2025 As part of the investigation, Boisvert said police seized two firearms. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2025 Fifty years ago this week Communist forces seized the city of Saigon bringing an end to the Vietnam war. Greg Dixon, NPR, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for seize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seize
Verb
  • To understand what’s at stake amid the NNSA’s workforce woes, USA TODAY interviewed current and former agency officials and reviewed decades of watchdog reports, safety records and other official documents.
    Davis Winkie, USA Today, 19 May 2025
  • The realtor also pulled permits to help determine a timeline of events to understand when some of the damage occurred.
    Meredith Wilshere, People.com, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • The former record executive, who was arrested in 2015 on suspicion of murder in a hit-and-run incident that killed businessman Terry Carter, reportedly agreed to a $1.5 million settlement in the wrongful death case on April 29, according to Rolling Stone.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • The man was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life in connection with the fire and two further incidents, police said.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Combs returns to the scene shortly thereafter and appears to grab at the phone.
    Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Rutgers teammates Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey might end up as No. 2 and No. 3 overall, but the Hornets will be able to grab one if not.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • But white farmers are being brutally killed, and their land is being confiscated in South Africa.
    Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 13 May 2025
  • Our families could be dishonored in public, our personal memories confiscated for storage inside the Criminal Archives.
    Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • The two probably are best known for their collaboration on Silver Linings Playbook.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 5 May 2025
  • The channel is known for its over-the-top stunts and contests.
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2025
Verb
  • Nine migrants detained in attempt to enter La Jolla by boat Nine people were apprehended over the weekend after making landfall in La Jolla during an attempt to enter the United States by boat, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
    Ashley Mackin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 May 2025
  • Footage of the low-stakes battle was captured by the resident's doorbell camera, which shows the gator moving door-to-door in Tortuga, a residential neighborhood in Fort Myers, before it was apprehended by a state alligator trapper.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • This is a great UFC Fight Night that will not disappoint; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 May 2025
  • In Barca’s 4-0 win in La Liga against Madrid at the Bernabeu in October, Madrid were caught offside 12 times.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • Mike gets into a brawl when Nathan (Dickinson, uncredited), a fellow addict also living rough, steals his wallet and blows all his cash.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
  • Trailing in the second inning, Alexis Ramirez reached base on a hit up the middle, then stole second.
    Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Seize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seize. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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