SEIZE Synonyms: 167 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'seize' different from other verbs like it?

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

Q: When might 'clutch' be a better fit than 'seize'?

While the synonyms clutch and seize are close in meaning, clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding. // clutching her purse

Q: How are the words 'grab' and 'snatch' related as synonyms of 'seize'?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch . // grabbed roughly by the arm

Q: When is it sensible to use 'grasp' instead of 'seize'?

The words grasp and seize 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

Q: How do 'snatch' and 'seize' relate to one another?

Snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize . // snatched a doughnut and ran

Q: When could 'take' be used to replace 'seize'?

The words take and seize can be used in similar contexts, but take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control. // take some salad from the bowl

seize

verb

ˈsēz

Definition of seize next

as in to understand

to have a clear idea of a critic with a sharp intellect that is able to seize the most subtle nuances of a work of art

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to arrest

to take or keep under one's control by authority of law seized the leaders of one of the city's major drug rings

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to grab

to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly seized the escaping balloon just before it got out of reach

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to confiscate

to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right Richard III seized the English throne from his brother Edward in 1483

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of seize are clutch, grab, grasp, snatch, and take. While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," 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 might clutch be a better fit than seize?

While the synonyms clutch and seize are close in meaning, 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 as synonyms of seize?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch.

grabbed roughly by the arm

When is it sensible to use grasp instead of seize?

The words grasp and seize 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

How do snatch and seize relate to one another?

Snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize.

snatched a doughnut and ran

When could take be used to replace seize?

The words take and seize can be used in similar contexts, but 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 seize Law enforcement seized enough fentanyl to kill every American multiple times over. —

Dewardric L. McNeal, CNBC, 3 Feb. 2025 The dogs were seized by the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General and taken to a rescue organization. —

Christine Pelisek, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025 Trump has also been increasingly combative about seizing the Panama Canal—militarily, if necessary. —

Robin Wright, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025 Elon Musk, who has used DOGE to seize control of key workings of the US government, at the second inauguration of Donald Trump. —

Makena Kelly, WIRED, 2 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for seize

Recent Examples of Synonyms for seize

Verb

The company tapped into data analytics at a time when few understood that discipline’s potential.

— Nina Bambysheva, Forbes, 30 Jan. 2025
His current book project, The Retail Exception, examines the history of Target and the retail industry to understand modern American environmental politics.

— Johnathan K Williams / Made by History, TIME, 30 Jan. 2025