seize on/upon
phrasal verb
seized on/upon; seizing on/upon; seizes on/upon
: to take or use (something, such as a chance or opportunity) in a quick and eager way
His critics have seized on the scandal to call for his resignation.
She seized on the opportunity to tell her side of the story.
Examples of seize on/upon in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Lander has tried to seize on the incumbent's and the frontrunner's troubles by arguing New York City needs steady scandal-free leadership.
—
Ben Adler, USA Today, 10 June 2025
Morena overhauled the court system late last year, fueling protests and criticism that the reform is an attempt by those in power to seize on their political popularity to gain control of the branch of government, that was until now, out of their reach.
—MarÍa Verza, Arkansas Online, 3 June 2025
Matt Cardy | Getty Images News | Getty Images
U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs regime has sparked volatility in American assets — and European officials are making no secret of wanting the euro to seize upon wavering confidence in the U.S. dollar.
—Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 30 May 2025
Universities in other countries could seize on the opportunity to attract top talent that might otherwise choose to stay in the U.S., capitalizing on the uncertainty caused by the Harvard fallout.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for seize on/upon
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Ben Adler, USA Today, 10 June 2025
Morena overhauled the court system late last year, fueling protests and criticism that the reform is an attempt by those in power to seize on their political popularity to gain control of the branch of government, that was until now, out of their reach.
—MarÍa Verza, Arkansas Online, 3 June 2025
Matt Cardy | Getty Images News | Getty Images
U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs regime has sparked volatility in American assets — and European officials are making no secret of wanting the euro to seize upon wavering confidence in the U.S. dollar.
—Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 30 May 2025
Universities in other countries could seize on the opportunity to attract top talent that might otherwise choose to stay in the U.S., capitalizing on the uncertainty caused by the Harvard fallout.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for seize on/upon
Cite this Entry
“Seize on/upon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seize%20on%2Fupon. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.
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