as in grabbed
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
the brazen seagull snatched the french fry right from my hand
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Recent Examples of snatched
People going out in the street and being snatched from their family members is not normal.
—
Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
However, Piotr Szczerek, identified as a Polish chief executive, was stood nearby and snatched the hat away before giving it to a woman, despite the boy’s visible protestations.
—George Ramsay, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Marlowe, lounging behind Frizer, grabbed Frizer’s dagger and struck him in the head; Frizer snatched it back and returned the compliment.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Despite the setback, Verstappen soon snatched the lead from the McLaren driver and pulled away.
—Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
In June, Variety reported that NBCU’s Super Bowl inventory was approaching a sell-out, and Super Bowl ad inventory seems to get snatched up faster every year as advertisers scramble to lock in pricey ad inventory that’s largely seen as one of the few remaining ways in media to reach huge audiences.
—Kelsey Sutton, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025
Dead Man’s Wire is a timely, entertaining reflection on the way the offer of the American Dream often tends to be snatched back.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
Chaos erupted at Miami International Airport early Tuesday when a woman from England allegedly snatched a 4-year-old boy from his mother at a checkpoint, clung to him, and refused to let go—while insisting the child was hers, according to deputies.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2025
But Rancho Cucamonga snatched the momentum right back when Semaj Smith returned the ensuing kickoff for a 96-yard touchdown, giving the Cougars an 18-6 lead at the half.
—Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 30 Aug. 2025
Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
However, Piotr Szczerek, identified as a Polish chief executive, was stood nearby and snatched the hat away before giving it to a woman, despite the boy’s visible protestations.
—George Ramsay, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Marlowe, lounging behind Frizer, grabbed Frizer’s dagger and struck him in the head; Frizer snatched it back and returned the compliment.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Despite the setback, Verstappen soon snatched the lead from the McLaren driver and pulled away.
—Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
In June, Variety reported that NBCU’s Super Bowl inventory was approaching a sell-out, and Super Bowl ad inventory seems to get snatched up faster every year as advertisers scramble to lock in pricey ad inventory that’s largely seen as one of the few remaining ways in media to reach huge audiences.
—Kelsey Sutton, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025
Dead Man’s Wire is a timely, entertaining reflection on the way the offer of the American Dream often tends to be snatched back.
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
Chaos erupted at Miami International Airport early Tuesday when a woman from England allegedly snatched a 4-year-old boy from his mother at a checkpoint, clung to him, and refused to let go—while insisting the child was hers, according to deputies.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2025
But Rancho Cucamonga snatched the momentum right back when Semaj Smith returned the ensuing kickoff for a 96-yard touchdown, giving the Cougars an 18-6 lead at the half.
—Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 30 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for snatched
Verb
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One partygoer grabbed a fragrance and practically bathed in the smokey orange accords of Rendez-Vous Ivory.—
Essence,
Essence,
12 Sep. 2025
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Natalia’s story grabbed the attention of the public in 2019 when Indiana prosecutors leveled charges against the Barnetts for allegedly neglecting a dependent.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Kirk’s zeal caught the attention of Bill Montgomery, a businessman and Tea Party activist, who urged him to forgo college and dedicate himself fully to political organizing.—
Eric Cortellessa,
Time,
11 Sep. 2025
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Since 1986, employers have required to verify workers' eligibility to work, and can be fined or jailed if caught knowingly breaking the law.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Of course, reporter and friend Erin Andrews seized the opportunity to ask about his recent engagement.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
14 Sep. 2025
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Allen punctuated the drive with a 6-yard touchdown scamper, as the Fishermen seized a 7-0 lead.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Snatched.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/snatched. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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