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
Last month, the navy seized almost five tons of cocaine, believed headed for Australia, from a fishing vessel near French Polynesia.
—
CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
The prosecutor’s statement said its office has filed a request to seize the defendant’s property, including vehicles, real estate and money.
—Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
The phone records of eight senators and one House Republican were seized as part of the Arctic Frost investigation, which focused on efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 5 Feb. 2026
Investigators seized a silver Volkswagen sedan and a white Honda sedan as evidence in the mass shooting investigation.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for seize
CBS News, 5 Feb. 2026
The prosecutor’s statement said its office has filed a request to seize the defendant’s property, including vehicles, real estate and money.
—Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
The phone records of eight senators and one House Republican were seized as part of the Arctic Frost investigation, which focused on efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
—David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 5 Feb. 2026
Investigators seized a silver Volkswagen sedan and a white Honda sedan as evidence in the mass shooting investigation.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for seize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seize
Verb
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The collar will help scientists understand the movement patterns and reproductive behavior of the Sierra Nevada red fox, providing key insights to guide conservation efforts.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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Those many Americans who still understand that freedom is the magic elixir that drives growth and prosperity are exiting blue states, leaving them to stew in their left-wing, socialist, low-growth and low-opportunity juices.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Months later, police obtained the criminal warrants to arrest the suspect at his residence.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
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Lovely was arrested in connection with the stabbing and is also being treated at Atrium Hospital.—
Matthew Cupelli,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Similarly, Bad Bunny also stopped at a piraguas cart recreation and briefly grabbed a frozen dessert.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
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His piece of genius separated the sides entering the 84th minute but during a chaotic finale, the hosts conspired to grab defeat from the jaws of victory.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Authorities have also moved to suspend bank accounts, block SIM cards and confiscate the property of protesters' relatives or people who publicly express support for them, said Musa Barzin, an attorney with Dadban, citing reports from families.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 Feb. 2026
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Her employee badge, keys and computer were confiscated, according to the memo.—
Jessica Seaman,
Denver Post,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Bass, who was politically weakened by her performance during the fire and its aftermath, was already facing more than two dozen challengers looking to oust her in the June 2 primary — the vast majority little known to the public and not expected to pose any threat.—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
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One note e-mailed Monday to the KOLD-TV newsroom in Tucson included information that only the abductor would know, anchor Mary Coleman told CNN.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The occupants were apprehended following a foot chase.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
5 Feb. 2026
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The agent shot at Routh, who was rousted from his hiding place and tried to escape before he was apprehended.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Van Der Beek spoke with USA TODAY in August 2025 about the importance of catching it early.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
12 Feb. 2026
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Local officials were caught off guard.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Expect mild redness and a sandpaper-like texture for several days; small sacrifices for a complexion that steals the spotlight.—
Elycia Rubin,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Feb. 2026
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Her worries grow when a group of badgers takes over the Rabbit School and steals the Egg.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Seize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seize. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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