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

Examples 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 During the stop, authorities seized $923, 264 grams of marijuana and 3.7 grams of fentanyl, according to Bessette. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 10 Jan. 2025 The Longhorns seized the momentum, scoring in 2OT to secure a heart-stopping 39-31 victory. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025 Police froze bank accounts in Hungary, Lithuania, Germany and the Netherlands and seized 5 million euros, the Paris prosecutor said at the time. Catherine Porter, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025 If Trump were to carry through with his threat to violate the treaty and seize the canal, there would undoubtedly be protests in the canal zone and thousands of American troops, at heavy financial cost, would be required to restore order. Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for seize 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seize
Verb
  • Want to understand the impact of tech on your body and how to live better with your devices?
    Manuela López Restrepo, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The past week has proven a surreal one for TikTok's users and creators, many of whom are struggling to understand how this proved to be the one issue that could unite Democrats and Republicans.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Michael Lewis, 55, was arrested and charged Sunday in Indianapolis following an investigation, Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears announced in a news release Monday.
    Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Senate to continue consideration of Laken Riley Act The Senate this week will continue consideration of the Laken Riley Act, which would require that migrants who are arrested for theft are detained.
    Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • So grab your favorite streaming device, line up some snacks, and let the enchantment unfold.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Fans eager to play the game as Ice Spice can grab her Fortnite skins in the Item Shop.
    Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • School employees eventually confiscated it, finding the tan and black semi-automatic handgun inside with 30 rounds of ammunition and an attached laser pointer, charges allege.
    Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Corey then allegedly confiscated the women’s phones, shot the gun out the window, and then pointed the gold gun at the two ladies.
    Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • More News: Rhea Ripley Wins WWE Women's World Championship on Raw Netflix Debut Triple H addressed these criticisms at the Netflix Raw post-show press conference, basically saying that the world has known for a long time that WWE is scripted.
    Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Now that the album and visuals are finally out, Meléndez-Badillo says he was moved to tears by its message — delivered through Puerto Rican folk album, also known as música jíbara.
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • He was apprehended without incident at a home in Philadelphia.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Of those arrested, 30 were apprehended in the Eaton fire zone and four in the Palisades fire zone, Luna said.
    Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Betts, 32, ran to try to catch the ball, but Capobianco and Hansen reached over the fence to stop him from making the play.
    Daniel S. Levine, People.com, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Having the capability of catching the Starship booster is crucial for SpaceX, giving the company a completely reusable vehicle that is able to fly again.
    Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The pursuit of Richard started on Interstate 40 that morning, and the bus was stolen from Little Rock the night before, the release states.
    Grant Lancaster, arkansasonline.com, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Gillespie stole the ball from Berry, but Reese promptly gave the ball away with 0.7 seconds left on the clock.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 17 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near seize

Cite this Entry

“Seize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seize. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on seize

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