1
as in arrested
to take or keep under one's control by authority of law
the officer nabbed the purse snatcher before he could escape
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in grabbed
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
a pickpocket nabbed my wallet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nabbed
Cops nabbed suspect Rhamell Burke, 32, the next day.
—
Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 5 June 2026
Others have noted that police have nabbed underground treasure seekers from time to time.
—ABC News, 4 June 2026
Yamamoto swung around and tossed the ball to Alex Freeland, who nabbed Marsh’s hands.
—Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
Shiloh, 15, nabbed a tan Gabriela Hearst dress Jolie wore earlier that summer for the same Eternals premiere.
—Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026
Her role as the voice of Lady Whistledown has nabbed her 4 Emmy nominations—and one win, in 2025.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 30 May 2026
Once checked in, guests, many of them without an umbrella and drenched, posed for selfies in front of a giant Miami Swim Week sign, and nabbed product samples from vendors like La Croix soda.
—Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 29 May 2026
After arriving in Manhattan in 1987 with $500 in his pocket, Courseau nabbed his first job as a dishwasher in a SoHo Italian restaurant.
—Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Since launching in 2024, Sneex nabbed the 2024 FNAA Launch of the Year award and has been embraced by celebrities like Gayle King.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 27 May 2026
Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 5 June 2026
Others have noted that police have nabbed underground treasure seekers from time to time.
—ABC News, 4 June 2026
Yamamoto swung around and tossed the ball to Alex Freeland, who nabbed Marsh’s hands.
—Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
Shiloh, 15, nabbed a tan Gabriela Hearst dress Jolie wore earlier that summer for the same Eternals premiere.
—Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 31 May 2026
Her role as the voice of Lady Whistledown has nabbed her 4 Emmy nominations—and one win, in 2025.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 30 May 2026
Once checked in, guests, many of them without an umbrella and drenched, posed for selfies in front of a giant Miami Swim Week sign, and nabbed product samples from vendors like La Croix soda.
—Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 29 May 2026
After arriving in Manhattan in 1987 with $500 in his pocket, Courseau nabbed his first job as a dishwasher in a SoHo Italian restaurant.
—Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Since launching in 2024, Sneex nabbed the 2024 FNAA Launch of the Year award and has been embraced by celebrities like Gayle King.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 27 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nabbed
Verb
-
That September, he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of marijuana following a vehicle crash in San Jose.—
Michael McGough,
Sacbee.com,
14 June 2026
-
Three weeks into his third season, Smith was involved in a single-car accident and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of marijuana.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
Cameron Brink added 15 points off the bench and Dearica Hamby grabbed 10 rebounds for the Sparks (6-6) in the Commissioner’s Cup game.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
-
Cameron Brink added 15 points off the bench, Erica Wheeler scored 10 and Dearica Hamby grabbed 10 rebounds for the Sparks (6-6) in the Commissioner’s Cup game.—
Daily News,
Daily News,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Fans inside the packed stadium in Inglewood, California, roared as the USMNT seized an early advantage.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
-
During the operation, officials seized multiple amounts of drugs and several boxes containing fireworks.—
Chelsea Hylton,
CBS News,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Running back Jonathon Brooks, who is returning from back-to-back ACL surgeries on his right knee, caught a pass across the middle from Young and blazed down the field through traffic.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
11 June 2026
-
The Knicks trailed, 81-52, when Wembanyama’s elbow caught Towns in the chin, resulting in a flagrant foul.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
He was apprehended hiding in the plane bathroom.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
13 June 2026
-
Of those apprehended during the administration's first seven months, more than 9,700 children saw at least one parent placed into immigration detention -- more than in previous years.—
Laura Romero,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
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
-
By lunchtime, the majority of jerseys — of varying colors and sizes — had already been snatched up.—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Fusaro said investigators are interested in any activity captured in or around the apartment complex, particularly that involving suspicious vehicles or individuals.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
11 June 2026
-
Against the backdrop of the city's elegant architecture, Lopez floated through the evening in a voluminous butter yellow gown that captured two of fashion's current obsessions.—
Daisy Maldonado,
InStyle,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nabbed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nabbed. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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