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 addition to the cannabis, authorities also claimed to have seized Bahlawan's cellphone, boarding pass and $960 in cash. Kyle Schmidbauer, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2025 In addition to wages, the federal government may also seize tax refunds and Social Security retirement and disability benefits when loans are in default. Alain Sherter, CBS News, 21 May 2025 Grenell is a longtime Trump ally, previously serving as U.S. ambassador to Germany during Trump’s first term, and he was appointed the interim executive director at the Kennedy Center after the president seized control of the Center back in February. Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 21 May 2025 This time, the case moved forward alongside multiple simultaneous investigations and cases in other states, and in 2018, the federal government seized Backpage and it was taken down. Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 11 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for seize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seize
Verb
  • But Wolf’s greatest contribution is in faithfully documenting his open, sometimes ugly dialogue with a figure who was widely known yet never, until now, understood.
    Judy Berman, Time, 30 May 2025
  • For a long time, a very evolved, smart person that makes poor choices sometimes can still understand what that means.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Officers went to the townhouse and arrested Woeltz, who is charged with assault, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment and criminal possession of a gun.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 26 May 2025
  • Officers are seen getting out, moving Taylor to the ground and arresting him.
    Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • In the morning, the restaurant doubles as a coffee shop where guests can grab drip coffee, fresh juices, and a small selection of hot and cold breakfast options, including the beloved Hawaiian classic, Loco Moco.
    Jalyn Robinson, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2025
  • The colorful bar framed in bright neon lights is on the main concourse, so people walking by can grab a drink and head to the casino or other favorite activity, Allen said.
    Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Provincial Police confiscated the 1964 Iso Rivolta Grifo A3 Stradale, entered in the Concorso by Thomas Shannon, after allegedly stopping its American driver on the streets of Cernobbio without an International Driving Permit.
    Michael Taylor, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Police confiscated guns, heroin, cocaine and $19,000 in cash when executing a search warrant.
    Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Forget iOS 19: Apple To Launch iPhone 17 With Radically Different Software, Report Says Software in the iPhone knows your location and is able to spot the satellites passing overhead to guide you where to point.
    David Phelan, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • They are also known as direct-to-participant trials or virtual studies.1 DCTs may offer several benefits, including convenience for participants.
    Carrie Madormo, Health, 31 May 2025
Verb
  • The Sun newspaper reports that, back in 2006, Pike – who starred as Amy Dunne in Gone Girl alongside Ben Affleck and also appeared in Bond film Die Another Day – was speaking to her mother on the phone when she was violently apprehended by a thief on a bicycle.
    Caroline Frost, Deadline, 25 May 2025
  • Like many of those apprehended this week, Fonseca Solorzano arrived in the United States from Honduras via CPB One, an application set up during the Biden administration that provided asylum seekers a way to enter the country legally after going through a background check.
    Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Throughout the show, Elliot is often caught telling his kids wildly inappropriate stories in an effort to get closer to them and inspire them to open up.
    Yasmeen Hamadeh, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • Just be sure to click that boss button before you get caught goofing off.
    John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Sophomore infielder Luke Nixon was responsible for half of them, stealing 14 in 16 attempts.
    Mitch Light, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • As the automatic runner at second, Crow-Armstrong stole third to set up Michael Busch’s tying RBI single to left.
    Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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