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
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
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
-
And like Bell, my bandmates and I understood why other artists were continuing to cancel their performances.—
Ryan Miller,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2025
-
Some means to understand things that are uncontrollable.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
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
-
Among the suspects arrested in a March 31 telecom fraud raid in the Chinese ally's capital of Phnom Penh, around 180 were Taiwanese, according to Taipei.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
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
-
So grab a pencil, a few colors or a coloring book and enjoy your boosted brain power.—
Ann Kowal Smith,
Forbes.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Then, in 2010, the bank where the chips were stored confiscated the chips after opening the deposit box.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr.,
USA Today,
9 Apr. 2025
-
The animals were confiscated and given to multiple wildlife agencies for care, according to the post.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
It was best known as the home to a long list of A-list stars, filmmakers and Hollywood insiders.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
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
-
Something about it caught the attention of visiting scientists — and for good reason.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
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
Cite this Entry
“Seize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seize. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share