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 In the second Trump Administration, a class of Silicon Valley leaders was insinuating itself into politics in a way that recalled one of Mimura’s primary subjects of study: the élite bureaucrats who seized political power and drove Japan into the Second World War. Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2025 Spanish explorers, driven by the promise of immense wealth, embarked on expeditions to the New World and seized vast amounts of gold from the local population. Gabriel O. Rodriguez, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025 The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit seized 148 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, according to a statement the sheriff's office posted to Facebook. Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025 Panama has rejected his demand that the United States seize the Panama Canal. Mark Landler, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for seize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seize
Verb
  • What their own parents could not fully understand — the worst moment of their lives — Ms. Schamis could.
    Emily Baumgaertner Nunn, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025
  • There are two ways to do that - understand the historical odds and position yourself prior to the event, or look at the correlation between immediate return and medium-term return post earnings and position yourself accordingly post-event.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In return for the temporary dismissal of his indictment for bribery and fraud, Adams’ promised to assist the Trump administration in arresting migrants in New York City.
    Nick Akerman, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2025
  • The sheriff said his priority would be working with ICE to arrest members of gangs, such as Tren de Aragua, or TDA, which is based in Venezuela and Bradshaw said has a presence in Miami.
    Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Tari Eason scored 14 points and Dillon Brooks added 12. Sabonis’ injury Sabonis grabbed his left hamstring while running the floor just over a minute into the game.
    Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Lozano exited the match in the 28th minute after appearing to grab his left hamstring.
    Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This was when the government of Robert Mugabe confiscated land in Zimbabwe in a very aggressive way.
    Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2025
  • Their journey began more than a year ago when they were confiscated from smugglers at the Mexican border after being snatched from the wild, their mothers killed in the process.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Who knew the hardest thing about an awards show acceptance speech could be holding the trophy?
    Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
  • The latest iteration of American economic warfare, following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, has been different: U.S. officials knew months ahead of time that Russia was gearing up to invade.
    Edward Fishman, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The third suspect was apprehended within the hour and was injured when a police dog took him down in the area of Wilson Street and Sunnyside Avenue, Spagnolo said last week.
    Staff Reports, Hartford Courant, 17 Feb. 2025
  • He was then apprehended by two officers without any resistance, police said.
    Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 15 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Attendees pose in front of Halloween decorations, then scramble to catch a photo beneath artificial snow nearby.
    Julius Miller, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Florida Dolphin Found 'In Distress' Later Diagnosed with Bird Flu, Study Finds Colleen Talty, a marine biologist with Monterey Bay Whale Watch, also told the AP that many people come to Monterey from all over the world to try to catch a glimpse of the elusive northern right whale dolphin.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • According to the Financial Times, the recent heist saw large amounts of Ethereum coins stolen from Bybit's cold wallets, which were believed to be more secure than hot wallets typically used for transactions.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Six days later, the couple lured a man in his 50s to the hotel room to engage in prostitution with Lebron, but after the man handed over the cash and undressed, Lebron threw bleach in his face and the duo beat him for several hours before stealing his phone, wallet and car keys.
    Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 22 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Seize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seize. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on seize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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