snatch 1 of 2

snatch

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noun

slang
as in kidnaping
the unlawful or forcible carrying away of a person or animal to the police chief, it didn't look like a snatch, but another case of a bride-to-be getting cold feet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word snatch different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of snatch are clutch, grab, grasp, seize, and take. While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize.

snatched a doughnut and ran

When is it sensible to use clutch instead of snatch?

The words clutch and snatch can be used in similar contexts, but 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?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch.

grabbed roughly by the arm

When would grasp be a good substitute for snatch?

The words grasp and snatch 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

In what contexts can seize take the place of snatch?

While the synonyms seize and snatch are close in meaning, 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 can take be used instead of snatch?

The meanings of take and snatch largely overlap; however, 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 snatch
Verb
Worst moment In terms of on-pitch moments, take your pick from the 6-0 defeat at Chelsea, the 3-2 defeat snatched from the jaws of victory against Bournemouth, or the recent 4-0 defeat at Manchester United where the away end had emptied long before the final whistle. Patrick Boyland, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024 Muniz’s first touch controlled the ball, his second snatched a 2-1 win. Liam Twomey, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024
Noun
The text, sung by two sopranos, may well have been in Esperanto, as only snatches were decipherable. Alan G. Artner, chicagotribune.com, 4 June 2017 The beat is now peppy with drum and snatches of piano, a common Beatles rhythm. Nicholas Dawidoff, The Atlantic, 18 May 2017 See all Example Sentences for snatch 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for snatch
Verb
  • Zar rushed to a drawer and grabbed from it passports, as well as insurance and banking documents.
    Ray Sanchez, CNN, 13 Jan. 2025
  • So grab your favorite streaming device, line up some snacks, and let the enchantment unfold.
    Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • Besigye's case is part of a broader trend of transnational repression in East Africa, where opposition figures have faced abductions and deportations.
    John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Later, after Muller released Huskins, police would accuse her of lying about her abduction.
    Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Officers spoke with him and seized his electronic devices.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 11 Jan. 2025
  • The Supreme Court should seize the first opportunity to overturn it.
    Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Before embarking on a political career, Starmer served as the U.K.’s director of public prosecutions, running the Crown Prosecution Service during the country’s child rape gangs scandal.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Following an interview with detectives, Williams was booked into jail on multiple first-degree charges, including three counts of rape, kidnapping, coercing and burglary, according to police.
    Daniella Segura, Sacramento Bee, 6 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near snatch

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on snatch

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