Synonyms of snatching

snatching 1 of 2

noun

as in theft

an instance of theft

an industry in which the snatching of trade secrets is greatly feared

Synonyms & Similar Words

• theft
• grab
• swiping
• heist
• pinch
• mugging
• rip-off
• burglary
• break-in
• holdup
• stickup

snatching

2 of 2

verb

present participle of snatch

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

• grabbing
• catching
• seizing
• capturing
• getting
• snagging
• landing
• trapping
• nabbing
• snaring
• bagging
• corralling
• hooking
• grappling
• netting
• copping
• nailing
• collaring
• rapping
• snapping (up)
• taking hold (of)
• clutching
• holding
• grasping
• glomming
• nobbling
• arresting
• securing
• detaining
• apprehending
• clasping
• gripping
• roping
• lassoing
• kidnapping
• gloving
• cornering
• abducting
• rending
• wresting
• baying
• entrapping
• ensnaring
• haltering
• fisting
• entangling
• fastening (on)
• latching (on or onto)
• meshing
• enmeshing
• spiriting (away or off)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• missing
• releasing
• discharging
• freeing
• dropping
• liberating
• loosening
• unhanding

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of snatching

Noun

Phone snatching is a major threat in Brazil and in many other places around the world, including London and Barcelona. — Joel Balsam, Travel + Leisure, 20 Sep. 2026

During 2024, at the height of the phone snatching trend, there were 80,000 such offenses across London. — Emmet Lyons, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026

Marc Horowitz, 53, is charged with robbery by sudden snatching and domestic violence battery, records show. — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026

An informant would tell them the attack was rooted in a chain-snatching at the Lakewood Mall two months earlier. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026

Many Londoners have firsthand experience of phone-snatching or have witnessed a surge in shoplifting and subway fare-dodging. — ABC News, 23 July 2026

Over the years, several polls have been marred by voter intimidation, the snatching of ballot boxes, and post-election violence. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 6 July 2026

Former Kansas City Councilwoman Joanne Collins was 89 when she was dragged to the ground during a March 2025 purse snatching. — Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026

Schuman now faces a felony count of robbery by sudden snatching in addition to three misdemeanors — one count of battery, one count of petit theft and one count of criminal mischief, court records show. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2026

Verb

And for Democrats, Sunday was a reminder of Will Rogers, as well as the cliche of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 2 Nov. 2026

Democrats are giddy over the prospect of snatching Senate seats and gubernatorial races in normally red states. — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026

This tour represents Brooks’ latest effort to push back against music industry headwinds — specifically, spiraling ticket prices and bots or brokers snatching up prime tickets during onsales before fans have access. — Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2026

Running around snatching pythons out of the jungle isn't my idea of fun, but someone has to do it. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Freiburg took advantage of Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich drawing to move top, snatching the win over Schalke with a late goal despite having Yuito Suzuki sent off for a second yellow card in the 64th. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026

This speed can be boosted in systems like NGC 362D, in which a neutron star is snatching material from a donor star because that material carries with it angular momentum. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Not just college kids, but Others cheering for Texas’ football team and snatching up Texas’ degrees. — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026

London — Images of masked men riding along London's streets on mopeds or electric bikes and snatching phones straight out of the hand of unsuspecting tourists and locals have gone viral in recent years. — Emmet Lyons, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026