snatch 1 of 2

Definition of snatchnext

snatch

2 of 2

noun

slang
as in abduction
the unlawful or forcible carrying away of a person or animal to the police chief, it didn't look like a snatch, but another case of a bride-to-be getting cold feet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word snatch different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of snatch are clutch, grab, grasp, seize, and take. While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize.

snatched a doughnut and ran

When is it sensible to use clutch instead of snatch?

The words clutch and snatch can be used in similar contexts, but 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?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch.

grabbed roughly by the arm

When would grasp be a good substitute for snatch?

The words grasp and snatch 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

In what contexts can seize take the place of snatch?

While the synonyms seize and snatch are close in meaning, 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 can take be used instead of snatch?

The meanings of take and snatch largely overlap; however, 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 snatch
Verb
The Bruins have a clear need for a top defense prospect, and snatch the best available defenseman in Lin. Corey Pronman, New York Times, 26 June 2026 These picks start at $11 and range from a one-piece swimsuit that snatches your waist to an everyday pair of wide-leg jeans and this summer-friendly tank top. Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
Noun
The three compressions are Spanxsmooth Swim, which is light compression for barely there smoothing; Spanxshape Swim, medium compression for a little more tummy control and shaping, and Spanxsculpt Swim, strong compression that cinches and snatches. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026 Basically the courts ruled on his actions as a leader and not on the legality of the snatch and grab operation itself. CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for snatch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for snatch
Verb
  • Video of the incident showed the professor grabbing and twisting the arm of the pro-Palestinian student.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • As police tried to handcuff Sever, the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office said Sever swung at troopers and forcefully grabbed at a trooper's duty weapon, which was secured in a holster.
    Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Mansfield eventually confessed to Barrett's abduction and murder after roughly two years of interviews with investigators.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2026
  • Nancy Guthrie had a pacemaker, and investigators feared for her health as none of her heart medications were taken during the abduction.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Maxxine battled back, but Raquel caught a spinning kick attempt and stuck Maxxine with a Tejana Bomb for the win.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Officers were stationed at exit routes, aimed at catching the participants.
    Adam Thompson, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • The alleged rape was reported by The Athletic in May, though the identity of the player was not revealed at the time.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
  • Mendes under investigation New Zealand police are investigating allegations of rape against Cape Verde captain Ryan Mendes, who has started all three of the team’s matches in the World Cup thus far.
    Chris Branch, New York Times, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Hilton, running on a platform of affordability and lowering taxes, has seized on the sentiment, casting health coverage for immigrants without legal status as deeply unfair and a direct threat to the state’s ability to help citizens.
    Christine Mai-Duc, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026
  • So far this year, 17 tons of illicit drugs, mostly cocaine, have been seized in the Pacific region – more than three times the total across the whole of last year, according to the Australian Federal Police.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • So for example, the risks in Haiti include civil unrest, limited healthcare, crime, terrorism, and the risk of kidnapping.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 26 June 2026
  • Arnold is facing three counts of kidnapping, three counts of armed robbery, one count of conspiracy to kidnap and one count of conspiracy to commit armed robbery from a February incident in Tampa.
    Bob Wojnowski, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • While truck hijacking is not a new crime, the sophisticated cargo thefts now occurring combine traditional criminal activity with sophisticated technology to bring cargo thefts to new heights.
    Steve Weisman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Advertisement Mission hijacking in the nonprofit space A similar overcrowding afflicts the pro-democracy space today.
    Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 28 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Snatch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/snatch. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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