1
as in to understand
to have a clear idea of
a critic with a sharp intellect that is able to seize the most subtle nuances of a work of art
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to arrest
to take or keep under one's control by authority of law
seized the leaders of one of the city's major drug rings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to grab
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
seized the escaping balloon just before it got out of reach
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to confiscate
to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right
Richard III seized the English throne from his brother Edward in 1483
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of seize
The drugs were seized in the Caribbean Sea about 90 miles off the coast of Cartagena on May 8, the Coast Guard said in a press release.
—
David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
The spokesperson, Asghar Jahangir, did not explicitly refer to the tanker seized on Thursday.
—Melanie Lidman, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
The spokesperson, Asghar Jahangir, did not explicitly refer to the tanker seized Thursday.
—Adam Schreck, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
In the Edgewater Park Plaza foreclosure, East West Bank acted through an affiliate to seize ownership of the office hub, documents filed on May 11 with the Alameda County Recorder’s Office show.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for seize
David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
The spokesperson, Asghar Jahangir, did not explicitly refer to the tanker seized on Thursday.
—Melanie Lidman, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
The spokesperson, Asghar Jahangir, did not explicitly refer to the tanker seized Thursday.
—Adam Schreck, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
In the Edgewater Park Plaza foreclosure, East West Bank acted through an affiliate to seize ownership of the office hub, documents filed on May 11 with the Alameda County Recorder’s Office show.
—George Avalos, Mercury News, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for seize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seize
Verb
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Constant said families should be able to look several years ahead and understand whether their children are likely to have transfer opportunities available.—
Nicole Buss,
Sacbee.com,
19 May 2026
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Van de Peer and his colleagues wanted to understand what accounts for the abundance of modern polyploidy and the seeming relative scarcity of it long ago.—
Ari Daniel,
NPR,
19 May 2026
Verb
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On the topic of arresting homeless people, moderators asked how Bianco's sheriff's office has been known to do.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
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Dulce Dayana Hernandez Jimenez, 28, was arrested Tuesday at JFK Airport after a flight from Mexico, police said.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Denise ascended the stairs, yelling at Djena all the way up, then grabbed Djena by the collar and began hitting her.—
Yudhijit Bhattacharjee,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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To make one, grab a clean, thick sock (preferably a larger one) and fill it with uncooked rice, oats, or flaxseed.—
Caroline Lubinsky,
Martha Stewart,
18 May 2026
Verb
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Her family’s money was confiscated; her favorite uncle, Otto, was murdered by the Nazis; shrapnel lodged in Hepburn’s neck, giving it its beguiling tilt.—
Hadley Hall Meares,
Vanity Fair,
15 May 2026
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But that hasn’t stopped out-of-state reenactors from worrying their muskets will be confiscated at the George Washington Bridge, says Justin Costantino, adjutant of the Long Island Companies of the 3rd New York Regiment.—
Allen G. Breed,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Did either network know Krakowski was double dipping?—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
15 May 2026
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Sark knows the Texas football team isn't there for academics, or at least, the starters.—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
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The ex-roommate of former Cold as Life frontman Rodney Barger was apprehended in Panama nearly 33 years after the punk rock singer‘s shooting in Detroit.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
14 May 2026
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Citing a letter from the school, CBS reported that the suspect was quickly apprehended by a security officer who was able to remove the gun.—
Liam Quinn,
PEOPLE,
14 May 2026
Verb
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In that game, with the Eagles beating the New England Patriots 41-33 to win their first Super Bowl, Foles became the first player to throw and catch for a touchdown in the event’s history.—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
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One night, into the bar wanders Angel (Rosemarie DeWitt), who looks as caught in the ’40s as Joe is.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
21 May 2026
Verb
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Bahia is also where breakfast is served each morning—watch out for the cheeky birds who will steal any of your unattended banana pancakes or breakfast burritos.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
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The animatronic creation adorably stole the spotlight from the Mandalorian himself, Pedro Pascal, as well as other human collaborators like Sigourney Weaver (Colonel Ward) and director Jon Favreau (who managed to score a red carpet photo opportunity with the rising lime-green superstar).—
Bryan Alexander,
USA Today,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Seize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seize. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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