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

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 snatch
Verb
Don't miss the chance to secure both for life and snatch it up by February 2 at 11:59pm Pacific for just $54.97 (reg. Stackcommerce Team (sponsored), PCMAG, 1 Feb. 2025 In a shocking turn of events, the Bad Boys actor snatches and gulps down both pills, and his verse begins. Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 30 Jan. 2025
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
  • Then, almost missing the cue, Belushi stepped forward and grabbed the mic stand.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 17 Feb. 2025
  • Brendan Coyle made five 3-pointers and grabbed six rebounds.
    Staff And Wire Reports, Hartford Courant, 16 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The train derailment occurred in rural Somerset County where three engines and six train cars from Canadian Pacific Kansas City railway were knocked off the tracks and caught fire, according to the Bangor Daily News.
    James Powel, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025
  • That changed when polls showed a tightening race and Osborn raised more than $30 million, catching the attention not only of the working class but of organizations such as the Patriotic Millionaires, a group of wealthy Americans seeking an equitable economy.
    Jeffrey Fleishman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Her ankles slashed, Levy was clearly struggling to walk after her apparently violent abduction.
    Rachel Wolf, Fox News, 28 Jan. 2025
  • At the time of her abduction, Ms. Gilboa had been studying piano and hoped to perform professionally one day, the forum said.
    Natan Odenheimer, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • 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
  • Police then seized the remaining $1,600, which was returned to the victim after a property hearing Feb. 13.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In 2018, he was accused of rape by a woman who worked as his children's former nanny in 2018.
    EW.com, EW.com, 7 Feb. 2025
  • McAndrews, who wrote her master’s thesis on rape revenge films, quickly understood Alvey’s fresh vision.
    William Earl, Variety, 5 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near snatch

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on snatch

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