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 But his ship was seized by the British and taken to Jamaica. Time, 9 July 2025 Facing significant second-apron penalties with Tatum (Achilles tear) likely sidelined next season, Stevens has seized the chance at a financial reset. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 8 July 2025 One way to do this is to seize on encouraging signs of hope and drive up a sense of positivity. Jo Causon, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 The Israeli attack also targeted the Galaxy Leader, a vessel seized by the Houthis in 2023. Anders Hagstrom, FOXNews.com, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for seize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seize
Verb
  • But then appeared on the road a living creature whose intent my driver could not understand: a cow.
    Shekar Natarajan, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • With millions of followers across Instagram, TikTok and Substack, the platform is positioned towards helping young people better understand the news, with regular free newsletters and podcasts.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • During the operation, agents arrested approximately 200 people suspected of being in the country illegally and identified at least 10 immigrant children on the sites.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 July 2025
  • The posts have since been removed, and federal agents arrested Herrera later that day.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Order fish tacos or fresh salads at Bad Boy Burrito; grab at coffee at Cafe Moka; shop for clothing and gifts at Miss Monroe Boutique; and browse the open-air stalls at boo kee sue Botanics for handmade textiles, ceramics, and more.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
  • Pick up seasonal staples like this breezy maxi dress and these Crocs recovery slides to comfortably beat the heat, or grab year-round closet staples like these classic Levi’s jeans and this timeless button-down shirt by Gap.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • From 2022 through 2024, law enforcement officials in California confiscated 139,017 guns used in crimes with identifiable serial numbers, according to the DOJ’s crime guns report.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 12 July 2025
  • No charges have been pressed against Stone, but her family said her phone was confiscated.
    Joey Safchik, NBC news, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • That gap can cause marketing to keep optimizing based on CPC or CPL without knowing which leads actually move forward in the funnel.
    Ron Browning, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • The fourth suspect, who stayed inside of the vehicle, was also apprehended, police said.
    City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 July 2025
  • Police say Grimes was apprehended by Cincinnati police's homicide unit with assistance from the fugitive apprehension squad.
    Hailey Roden, The Enquirer, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • In our extremely online era, anyone caught in an internet backlash should understand that the best response is to say nothing at all—drama will pass once the subject ceases making more content.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
  • Not just for her, but for everyone caught in the middle of this.
    Mekishana Pierre, EW.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • How An Ocean Apart is different: The rebellious main character is secretly competing to break his heart and steal his money.
    Rebecca Dazenbaker, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • Police are investigating after suitcases containing hard drives with unreleased Beyoncé music were stolen from her team’s rental car ahead of her tour stop in Atlanta.
    Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Seize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seize. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on seize

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