grab 1 of 2

verb

ˈgrab How to pronounce grab (audio)
Definition of grabnext
as in to snatch
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly don't grab my arm like that

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

grab

2 of 2

noun

as in theft
an instance of theft a political activist who thinks the government's lease of public lands to logging companies amounts to an illegal land grab

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of grab are clutch, grasp, seize, snatch, and take. While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch.

grabbed roughly by the arm

When can clutch be used instead of grab?

Although the words clutch and grab have much in common, clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding.

clutching her purse

In what contexts can grasp take the place of grab?

In some situations, the words grasp and grab are roughly equivalent. However, grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession.

grasp the handle and pull

Where would seize be a reasonable alternative to grab?

The words seize and grab can be used in similar contexts, but 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

How do snatch and seize relate to one another, in the sense of grab?

Snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize.

snatched a doughnut and ran

When could take be used to replace grab?

The words take and grab are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 grab
Verb
The Pacers have grabbed early series leads so far in the postseason, but the magic stops here in the NBA Finals. —Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025 Lozano dropped to the Snapdragon Stadium turf in the 64th minute of last Saturday’s 2-0 win against Austin FC and grabbed the back of his leg, and the resulting scans were not good. —Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 June 2025
Noun
The most expensive handbag in the world is up for grabs! —Latoya Gayle, People.com, 6 June 2025 Outside of that, anyone on the roster is up for grabs, especially if the Knicks have a real shot at Durant. —Ricardo Klein, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for grab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grab
  1. snatch
  2. theft
  3. seize
  4. catch
  5. get
  6. capture
  7. land
  8. snag
Verb
  • California Burglars clean out father-son jewelers, snatch heirlooms, ‘a lifetime’s worth of work’ May 28, 2025 Nasarenko added that the offenses carried additional enhancements since the burglary drew more than $3 million.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2025
  • The result is, at best, a temporary reprieve snatched out of defeat.
    — The Editors, National Review, 12 June 2025
Definition of snatch
Noun
  • In addition to such legal setbacks, associations can also be forced into bankruptcy by significant financial mismanagement or theft, uncovered property damage, high rates of owner delinquencies, and the costs associated with inspections and repairs.
    — Michael L. Hyman, Miami Herald, 7 June 2025
  • Police took the suspect into custody and charged him with burglary and theft.
    — Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 6 June 2025
Definition of theft
Verb
  • Creators are making money via social media and e-commerce platforms every day, so there’s no reason why freelancers can’t seize the opportunity as well.
    — Chelsea Tobin, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • The Astros did not seize it, bypassing infielder Brice Matthews in favor of journeymen veterans Cooper Hummel and Luis Guillorme.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 16 June 2025
Definition of seize
Verb
  • Special teams and the crazy switching up of the D Pairs after the first two, very even games has been the story of the series so far for me A Andrew K. · 42m ago Maple Leafs catching strays.
    — Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 16 June 2025
  • The Ford Canadian executive clearly had been caught by surprise.
    — Bill Koenig, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Definition of catch
Verb
  • Christina Aguilera didn't let the haters get her down early in her career.
    — Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 14 June 2025
  • His parents weren't totally aware of his unusual spot to get a few hours of rest.
    — Marina Watts, People.com, 13 June 2025
Definition of get
Verb
  • This collection was taken by National Park Service photographers, who have captured federal public lands and wild critters across the Western U.S.
    — Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 6 June 2025
  • The police video, captured on the officer’s body camera, shows that Elias then turned to his right and started running toward the officer.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025
Definition of capture
Verb
  • Workout Buddy will get a full public release later this year, with watchOS 26 expected to land in September.
    — Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • He’s also been rebuffed in attempts to land a Knicks coaching job and has needed to buy game tickets whereas other legends have been invited guests.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 June 2025
Definition of land
Verb
  • Wash the koozies in a load with other lightweight items, and avoid washing them with heavy, bulky, or embellished items that have zippers, snaps, or other features that can snag and ding the koozie.
    — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 June 2025
  • To combat this, snag this divider that is strong enough to hold up to four pans or lids.
    — Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 4 June 2025
Definition of snag

Phrases Containing grab

Browse Nearby Words

gownsmen
grab
grab bag
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Cite this Entry

“Grab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grab. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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