as in grabbing
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
the brazen seagull snatched the french fry right from my hand
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of snatching
Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Finney triumphed at the end of that film, dispatching child-snatching serial killer the Grabber (Ethan Hawke) with help from the ghosts of his previous victims and one of Gwen’s psychic visions.
—Katie Rife, IndieWire, 21 Sep. 2025
The special will feature a mix of original and classic holiday songs as Rubble and his PAW Patrol pals try to stop Mayor Humdinger from snatching Santa’s presents.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 19 Sep. 2025
In Ocean Park, residents were forced to form a human shield to prevent federal agents from snatching workers at a construction site.
—Israel Melendez Ayala, Time, 16 Sep. 2025
Three Los Angeles County men have been arrested for allegedly snatching high-end jewelry from victims who were walking to their vehicles in Fullerton earlier this year, police said.
—City News Service, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
One said bump is a particularly nasty, literal wig-snatching fight between Vida and Chi-Chi.
—Jen Juneau, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025
Because of this, many people see an adult snatching a baseball from a child as a symbol of greater societal inequality.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison just became the wealthiest person on the planet for the first time, snatching the crown from Musk after the Tesla CEO sat atop the list for almost a year.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
But the chick-snatching wasn't all terror and crib robbery, Parker stressed.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
Four innings before the Jays finished Saturday’s 10-1 blowout win over the New York Yankees, snatching a series-opening victory in the American League Division Series, Gausman was relegated to spectator.
—Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Finney triumphed at the end of that film, dispatching child-snatching serial killer the Grabber (Ethan Hawke) with help from the ghosts of his previous victims and one of Gwen’s psychic visions.
—Katie Rife, IndieWire, 21 Sep. 2025
The special will feature a mix of original and classic holiday songs as Rubble and his PAW Patrol pals try to stop Mayor Humdinger from snatching Santa’s presents.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 19 Sep. 2025
In Ocean Park, residents were forced to form a human shield to prevent federal agents from snatching workers at a construction site.
—Israel Melendez Ayala, Time, 16 Sep. 2025
Three Los Angeles County men have been arrested for allegedly snatching high-end jewelry from victims who were walking to their vehicles in Fullerton earlier this year, police said.
—City News Service, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
One said bump is a particularly nasty, literal wig-snatching fight between Vida and Chi-Chi.
—Jen Juneau, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025
Because of this, many people see an adult snatching a baseball from a child as a symbol of greater societal inequality.
—Charles Trepany, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison just became the wealthiest person on the planet for the first time, snatching the crown from Musk after the Tesla CEO sat atop the list for almost a year.
—Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 10 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for snatching
Noun
-
Online court records indicated to investigators that Arfsten was released on bail in a felony theft case at the time of the South Milwaukee incident.—
Erik S. Hanley,
jsonline.com,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Some of the commandments overlap with criminal law, such as prohibitions on murder and theft, but others do not.—
Jessie Balmert,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Securing the Shield ensures the top seed for Philly and home-field advantage throughout the MLS Cup playoffs for a team that has quietly gone about a consistent season without grabbing much in the way of attention.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
-
Without strangers lunging at her and grabbing her forearm.—
Romina Ruiz-Goiriena,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Through his first 11 quarters in Denver, Engram had accumulated just seven grabs for 51 yards.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Metropolitan Park, projected to raise $850 million in taxes for the city and state by its third year in operation, is the largest project of the remaining contenders, which is partly why it’s favored to secure one of the three licenses up for grabs.—
Clio Chang,
Curbed,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Will Shipley would be more of the pass-catching value, and Dillon the early-down and goal-line option, not to say both can’t do both things — hence, the hot hand (and hence for the second time).—
Jake Ciely,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
But the Patriots gave it right back as Rhamondre Stevenson, who has had trouble fumbling early this season, was stripped after catching a pass from Maye.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Metropolitan Police officers are also said to have raided Clarke’s home, seizing items including laptops and documents.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Governments worldwide are already seizing the opportunity to attract skilled workers to their countries.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Snatching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/snatching. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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