seize

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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 While Trump did not seize on the Sumy attack as an opening to ramp up diplomatic pressure on Russia, other corners of his administration and some of his political allies were more outspoken in the aftermath. Shannon K. Kingston, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2025 The United States and Russia continued implementing New START amid the first Russian invasion of Ukraine, when Putin seized Crimea in 2014. Rose Gottemoeller, Foreign Affairs, 15 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, law enforcement authorities reported that in polling areas 56 firearms were seized and more than 630 people, including individuals facing warrants for drug trafficking, homicide and nonpayment of child support, were arrested. Regina Garcia Cano, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025 At that point, Hamas had emerged victorious in elections and seized power amid a violent rift with the PA's leading Fatah faction, still led by Arafat's successor, President Mahmoud Abbas. Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for seize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seize
Verb
  • Some means to understand things that are uncontrollable.
    Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • At some point 3 to 4 billion years ago, Mars lost its atmosphere for reasons not yet fully understood, and with it, the temperate conditions that allowed liquid water to exist on its surface.
    Jonathan O’Callaghan, JSTOR Daily, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • During the court hearing, the Florida Highway Patrol was the only agency mentioned as an arresting agency in those cases, including the one of the U.S. citizen.
    Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Two people are dead and a man who held Sacramento police at bay for hours before surrendering early Friday has been arrested in the slayings.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Antetokounmpo finished the game by scoring 36 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and blocking two shots.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Metcalf grabbed Anthony and again told him to get from under the team’s tent, then Anthony pulled out a knife and stabbed Metcalf once in the chest before running away, the witness said.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The pair collaborated on searching freight shipments, storage units and vehicles to confiscate drugs, targeting marijuana in particular because it was stored locally rather than sent to the DEA, according to officials.
    Olivia Lloyd, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2025
  • Some of them have taken advantage of the departure of foreign and multinational corporations from Russia by buying depreciated assets or simply confiscating them, generally with the support of powerful insiders, such as the Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.
    ALEXANDER GABUEV, Foreign Affairs, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Over the years, Jon Bon Jovi has become known for his philanthropic work with the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, which addresses homelessness, poverty and food insecurity.
    Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Snow is best known for being part of the ensemble cast in Universal’s Pitch Perfect and its two sequels.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Secret Service apprehended another suspect, weeks later, Ryan Routh, who was armed on a golf course where Trump was playing.
    Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Police apprehended 38-year-old Cody Balmer in connection with the incident, and search warrants alleged that the suspect admitted to the crimes.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Doses are given at: 2 months 4 months 6 months 15–18 months 4–6 years Can adults get whooping cough? Adults can catch whooping cough, though symptoms tend to be milder than in children.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
  • On Tuesday, Bloomberg reported that the mayor of Heath, Ohio — where work was paused — caught the city officials by surprise.
    Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Coop is fired from his high-profile finance job, starts stealing from his wealthy neighbors to keep up his lifestyle, chaos ensues, and get your popcorn ready.
    Danielle Pergament, SELF, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The biggest concern for cemetery board members is the bronze doors stolen from three mausoleums, which can be worth more than $10,000 per set.
    PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 9 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Seize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seize. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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