1
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
3
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
4
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
Example Sentences
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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
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
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And of course, there’s the need to understand and report on any unexpected and game-changing social media post from the White House.—
Howard Homonoff,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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Dave [Watson] and his team have worked hard to understand the reasons for this disconnect and have identified two primary causes.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
24 Apr. 2025
Verb
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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
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Karachi/Lahore Reuters — Police have arrested scores of people in Pakistan in recent weeks after more than 10 mob attacks on outlets of US fast-food chain KFC, sparked by anti-United States sentiment and opposition to its ally Israel’s war in Gaza, officials said.—
Reuters,
CNN Money,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Antetokounmpo finished the game by scoring 36 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and blocking two shots.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 2025
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease after the baseball player who was diagnosed with it, the exact cause of the disease is still not known, although a small group of cases are inherited.—
Charisma Madarang,
Rolling Stone,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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Something about it caught the attention of visiting scientists — and for good reason.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
17 Apr. 2025
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The research team used advanced 3D imaging technology to find the ancient ant had many features similar to modern dirt ants, including distinctive mandibles with 12 triangular teeth for catching prey.—
Doc Louallen,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The return would be enough to steal Abbott from the Reds.—
Ross Rosenfeld,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 Apr. 2025
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The Pacers will return home for Games 5 and 7 (if necessary), which means the Bucks would need to steal two road wins to advance.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
23 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Seize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seize. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.
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