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
South Florida has become a magnet for some of the biggest names in soccer, and now Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos is the latest superstar to grab a piece of the action—two pieces, actually. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 15 June 2026 This sounds glorious, and yet, Horkheimer and Adorno observe, freedom falls to those who are best positioned to grab it. —Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026
Noun
Lake County Two county commission seats are up for grabs. —Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2026 So, for the time being, there are plate appearances up for grabs at a weak position in a good lineup. —John Laghezza, New York Times, 12 June 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
  • Armed men snatched a highly respected security expert earlier this week in one of the few places in the capital city of Haiti to be considered relatively safe.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 June 2026
  • Donate your knick-knacks to the thrift store for the true collectors to snatch up.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 12 June 2026
Definition of snatch
Noun
  • After weeks of overnight fuel thefts, Rocklin police arrested a suspect during an early Thursday traffic stop, the department announced.
    — Reeti Malhotra, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026
  • Among the grounds listed are fraud, embezzlement, theft, misappropriation of district resources, breach of fiduciary duty, neglect of duties, criminal convictions, violations of law, policy violations, dishonesty, insubordination and failure to perform contractual obligations.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026
Definition of theft
Verb
  • Aemond was named Prince Regent in the aftermath, and seized control of the Iron Throne while Aegon recovered.
    — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • Federal customs officials at Washington Dulles Airport seized 139 pounds of Ethiopian khat, a plant chewed for its amphetamine-like effect, that was destined for Sacramento.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2026
Definition of seize
Noun
  • Former Kansas City Councilwoman Joanne Collins was 89 when she was dragged to the ground during a March 2025 purse snatching.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2026
  • Schuman now faces a felony count of robbery by sudden snatching in addition to three misdemeanors — one count of battery, one count of petit theft and one count of criminal mischief, court records show.
    — Angie DiMichele, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2026
Definition of snatching
Verb
  • If caught in a rip current, remain calm.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 18 June 2026
  • Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 18 June 2026
Definition of catch
Verb
  • Unlike the movies, where directors get the glory, TV directors sit lower in the hierarchy, below creators, producers and actors.
    — Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
  • After Diop broke up a pass into the box to Adams, McGinn got his foot on a cross to the right of Morocco’s net.
    — Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 20 June 2026
Definition of get
Verb
  • First-half photos Star photographers have been capturing the action on the ground at Arrowhead.
    — The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 17 June 2026
  • Ivory captured about 66% of the votes, according to unofficial results.
    — Reed Williams, AJC.com, 17 June 2026
Definition of capture
Verb
  • His nagging hamstring strain prevents him pretty much only from running full speed, but that was enough to land him on the 10-day IL.
    — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 June 2026
  • After making a three-pointer, Brunson landed on Wembanyama's foot.
    — Dan Zaksheske, FOXNews.com, 14 June 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 20 Jun. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on grab

Nglish: Translation of grab for Spanish Speakers

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