1
as in knowing
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 arresting
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 grabbing
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 confiscating
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 seizing
He’s drawn to attempting to achieve things that his predecessors could not, including seizing territory for the United States (Greenland, for sure, but maybe Canada, too) and toppling antagonistic regimes (Venezuela, Iran, possibly Cuba).
—
Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
The Scarborough Shoal, known in the Philippines as Bajo de Masinloc and in China as Huangyan Dao, sits within Manila's exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, but Beijing has maintained a near-constant presence around the shoal after seizing de facto control in a tense 2012 standoff.
—James Laporta, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Since seizing power, the juntas have cut ties with France and other Western powers, created their own security alliance and turned to Russia for military support to fight extremist insurgencies.
—ABC News, 10 June 2026
Following surveillance, deputies raided the property May 27, arresting three people and seizing five firearms, gambling machines and over $100,000 in cash, Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt.
—Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for seizing
Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
The Scarborough Shoal, known in the Philippines as Bajo de Masinloc and in China as Huangyan Dao, sits within Manila's exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, but Beijing has maintained a near-constant presence around the shoal after seizing de facto control in a tense 2012 standoff.
—James Laporta, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Since seizing power, the juntas have cut ties with France and other Western powers, created their own security alliance and turned to Russia for military support to fight extremist insurgencies.
—ABC News, 10 June 2026
Following surveillance, deputies raided the property May 27, arresting three people and seizing five firearms, gambling machines and over $100,000 in cash, Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt.
—Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for seizing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seizing
Verb
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Mabinty was remembered as a beautiful soul whose kindness, love, and hardworking spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.—
Tammy Mutasa,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
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Searching for Sanchez-Munoz Despite police knowing a suspect’s identity so early, Sanchez-Munoz — who was considered armed and dangerous — was still not in custody Wednesday.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
24 June 2026
Verb
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An Observer reporter witnessed officers arresting one individual wearing a custom face mask and another who was placed in the back of a police four-wheeler.—
Zaire Breedlove,
Charlotte Observer,
22 June 2026
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Making a comeback on the Milan men’s calendar after a decade’s absence and under new ownership, Caruso made a big impression with its breezy and slyly nonchalant tailoring done up in an arresting array of unusual colors.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
22 June 2026
Verb
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Farage, Reform’s attention-grabbing but divisive leader, was a curiously low-key presence.—
Helen Lewis,
The Atlantic,
19 June 2026
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With that in mind, if the Pacers want to acquire a draft pick, following their past and grabbing one in the 30s makes good sense.—
Tony East,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Verb
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As Israeli authorities begin confiscating their land, personal tensions collide with political pressure.—
Annika Pham,
Variety,
8 June 2026
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In New York state social studies classes, communism and socialism are presented as two economic systems that make things more equal and fair, with no historical references to the atrocities committed by socialist and communist regimes confiscating property.—
Betsy McCaughey,
Boston Herald,
8 June 2026
Verb
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The lack of information generally is a big issue for blind travelers as well, along with airline and airport employees not understanding the rules that govern accommodations for blind passengers.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
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For businesspeople, institutional investors, consumers with credit card or automobile debt, or anyone or anything else — for you — understanding the Fed is important.—
Erik Sherman,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
Verb
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Police posted video of the raid on social media, showing officers collecting evidence at the scene and apprehending the suspect.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
13 June 2026
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The Nodaway County Sheriff’s Office, United States Marshals Service and New Mexico State Police assisted in apprehending Jones, Hann said.—
Caroline Zimmerman
May 28,
Kansas City Star,
28 May 2026
Verb
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Two balls, two strikes and the Vibe on the verge of snatching back some momentum.—
Latif Love
June 18,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2026
-
Hart willingly did the dirty work, snatching up rebounds rather than points.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
15 June 2026
Verb
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As the berries begin to ripen, cover the pots with netting to keep birds and other animals from stealing your harvest.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
23 June 2026
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The technology’s ability to reduce theft and fraud is especially intriguing, given the crimes are not generally a person or group simply stealing freight.—
Ed Garsten,
Forbes.com,
23 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Seizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seizing. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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