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

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
Handy kitchen gadgets are among the best deals to grab right now, including this best-selling vegetable chopper that makes quick work of dicing, chopping, and prepping ingredients for your next meal. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026 In the fundamentals department, Gore made a heads-up play to grab Curtis Mead’s chopper back to the mound and run straight towards the runner on third base, LaMonte Wade Jr. —Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
But with Chawinga’s availability in question and an influx of attacking pieces under new head coach Chris Armas, the top regular-season spot may be up for grabs. —Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026 Which below-the-line races are still up for grabs? —Clayton Davis, Variety, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grab
  1. snatch
  2. theft
  3. seize
  4. snatching
  5. catch
  6. get
  7. capture
  8. land
Verb
  • PlayMonster Spoons in a Case What better way to spend time together as a family or with loved ones on Easter than viciously snatching utensils from one another in a heated game of 'Spoons'?
    — Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Following Odsonne Édouard's second-half equalizer, Tosin snatched three points for Lorient in the 65th minute, fluffing his initial attempt before rounding the Lens goalkeeper to score.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Mar. 2026
Definition of snatch
Noun
  • Large, congregate shelters of its sort offer little privacy or quiet; many have reputations for violence, drug use, and theft.
    — Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Traffic offenses accounted for two-thirds of tickets issued, and verbal assault and property theft were the most common forms of victimization.
    — Katie Jackson, Outside, 19 Mar. 2026
Definition of theft
Verb
  • Gil Messing, the Chief of Staff of Check Point, an Israeli cybersecurity company, said the FBI seizing the Handala site would help combat the perception of Iran’s cyber ability.
    — Kevin Collier, NBC news, 19 Mar. 2026
  • So, when Ozzie (Kyle Bary), a former child star, finds himself in a heap of trouble, Jax seizes the opportunity to spice up her daily routine.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 19 Mar. 2026
Definition of seize
Noun
  • Many Londoners have firsthand experience of phone-snatching or have witnessed the surge in shoplifting documented by the Office for National Statistics.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Polls show that Londoners broadly feel safe in their town, although property theft, particularly phone snatching and shoplifting, has leapt up in recent years.
    — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Definition of snatching
Verb
  • From the kitchen, guests can catch glimpses of Hatch Cove, and in the afternoon, enjoy cocktails on the large backyard deck that overlooks original stone walls and towering trees.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2026
  • Right now, some of the best spots to catch beautiful bluebonnet displays are around Brenham, Ennis, and the Hill Country.
    — Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026
Definition of catch
Verb
  • Store it all in the ski locker room, and getting slopeside is a breeze.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Heritage took the 2-1 lead in the second half when Atkins got the score off an Emersen Andries assist and the Panthers’ defense held on late to advance.
    — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of get
Verb
  • Conant, the Republican strategist, said Democrats need a response to Trump’s ability to capture support from the working class, which has long been the political demographic Democrats have been able to win over.
    — Zach Halaschak, The Washington Examiner, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Authorities said surveillance video from the gas station captured the moments leading up to the shooting.
    — CBS Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026
Definition of capture
Verb
  • Confirm addresses and times, and ask questions to verify assumptions, so each step lands on schedule and your reputation stays solid.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the weapons landed outside the country's exclusive economic zone and that there were no reports of damage to planes or ships.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Mar. 2026
Definition of land

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 21 Mar. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on grab

Nglish: Translation of grab for Spanish Speakers

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