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
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
While Trump did not seize on the Sumy attack as an opening to ramp up diplomatic pressure on Russia, other corners of his administration and some of his political allies were more outspoken in the aftermath.
—
Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2025
The United States and Russia continued implementing New START amid the first Russian invasion of Ukraine, when Putin seized Crimea in 2014.
—Rose Gottemoeller, Foreign Affairs, 15 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities reported that in polling areas 56 firearms were seized and more than 630 people, including individuals facing warrants for drug trafficking, homicide and nonpayment of child support, were arrested.
—Regina Garcia Cano, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
At that point, Hamas had emerged victorious in elections and seized power amid a violent rift with the PA's leading Fatah faction, still led by Arafat's successor, President Mahmoud Abbas.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for seize
Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2025
The United States and Russia continued implementing New START amid the first Russian invasion of Ukraine, when Putin seized Crimea in 2014.
—Rose Gottemoeller, Foreign Affairs, 15 Apr. 2025
Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities reported that in polling areas 56 firearms were seized and more than 630 people, including individuals facing warrants for drug trafficking, homicide and nonpayment of child support, were arrested.
—Regina Garcia Cano, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
At that point, Hamas had emerged victorious in elections and seized power amid a violent rift with the PA's leading Fatah faction, still led by Arafat's successor, President Mahmoud Abbas.
—Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for seize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seize
Verb
-
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
-
Long train trips were designed for those who understand the old adage of appreciating the journey, not just the destination.—
Ellen Carpenter,
AFAR Media,
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
-
Police said that once Davis left the apartment, the surviving 10-year-old quickly grabbed her baby brother, locked the door and called for help.—
Chris Spargo,
People.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
-
Doses are given at: 2 months 4 months 6 months 15–18 months 4–6 years Can adults get whooping cough? Adults can catch whooping cough, though symptoms tend to be milder than in children.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2025
-
Something about it caught the attention of visiting scientists — and for good reason.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
17 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
Cite this Entry
“Seize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seize. Accessed 1 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share