as in grabbing
to stop, seize, or interrupt while in progress or on course
the cat was about to hightail it out the front door when I intercepted her
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Recent Examples of intercepting
Three variants were listed, ranging from 3 to 32 megajoules of energy capacity, with the system advertised as capable of intercepting both cruise and ballistic missiles.
—
Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2025
In September, the Ukrainian military’s chief of staff, Oleksandr Syrskyi, said light aircraft mounted with machine guns were proving effective in intercepting Russian drones and the military would consider buying more.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
The Jaguars gave it back right before halftime, with Heritage’s Dax Hebeisen intercepting a pass in the flat.
—Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Oct. 2025
And Boise State’s defense victimized the conference’s worst offense, intercepting freshman quarterback Carter Jones three times — Jeremiah Earby had two of them — recovering two fumbles and holding the Pack to 247 total yards.
—Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2025
For intercepting Josh Allen in Buffalo and Cam Ward last week in Tennessee, cornerback Marcus Jones now owns a new wallet and expensive bottle of cologne.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 25 Oct. 2025
Other researchers have also examined intercepting satellite traffic, but low signal quality has been a barrier, which may have mitigated the threat in the past to some extent.
—PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2025
Italian, Swedish and Finnish fighter jets were all involved in shadowing or intercepting the MiG-31s, the spokesperson said.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 10 Oct. 2025
The Patriot is credited with intercepting next-generation Russian weapons debuted in the more than three-and-a-half years of full-scale war in Ukraine, like hypersonic missiles.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2025
In September, the Ukrainian military’s chief of staff, Oleksandr Syrskyi, said light aircraft mounted with machine guns were proving effective in intercepting Russian drones and the military would consider buying more.
—Tim Lister, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
The Jaguars gave it back right before halftime, with Heritage’s Dax Hebeisen intercepting a pass in the flat.
—Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Oct. 2025
And Boise State’s defense victimized the conference’s worst offense, intercepting freshman quarterback Carter Jones three times — Jeremiah Earby had two of them — recovering two fumbles and holding the Pack to 247 total yards.
—Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2025
For intercepting Josh Allen in Buffalo and Cam Ward last week in Tennessee, cornerback Marcus Jones now owns a new wallet and expensive bottle of cologne.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 25 Oct. 2025
Other researchers have also examined intercepting satellite traffic, but low signal quality has been a barrier, which may have mitigated the threat in the past to some extent.
—PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2025
Italian, Swedish and Finnish fighter jets were all involved in shadowing or intercepting the MiG-31s, the spokesperson said.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 10 Oct. 2025
The Patriot is credited with intercepting next-generation Russian weapons debuted in the more than three-and-a-half years of full-scale war in Ukraine, like hypersonic missiles.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intercepting
Verb
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These are especially useful for taking public transport, grabbing a quick coffee, or leaving a small tip at a restaurant.—
Asia London Palomba,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Oct. 2025
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Peterson led the way, scoring 26 points — 24 before halftime — and grabbing four rebounds.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In a rare moment of impressive hosting, Vanessa Lachey pointed out that Edmond's traumatic childhood and upbringing might result in him only focusing on the positive memories and blocking out any negative memories as a coping mechanism.—
Sydney Bucksbaum,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Oct. 2025
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Here, a selection of hard-working blue light sunscreens to add to your free radical-blocking regimen.—
Emily Orofino,
Vogue,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Ohtani went on to win the World Series with the Dodgers in his first season, capturing the National League MVP as well, without even pitching.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Oct. 2025
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Every frame of the film feels intentional, capturing the river and forests of the Amazon with great attention to the light and sounds of the region.—
Christian Blauvelt,
IndieWire,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Since posting, Watt’s video has gone viral, even catching the attention of the Live Like Maddie Foundation, which thanked her for capturing the magic and shared her clip to help promote next year’s event.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
28 Oct. 2025
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Filmmaking is catching inspiration on the wing.—
Susan Sontag,
Vogue,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Intercepting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intercepting. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.
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