seize

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word seize different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of seize are clutch, grab, grasp, snatch, and take. While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," 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

When might clutch be a better fit than seize?

While the synonyms clutch and seize are close in meaning, clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding.

clutching her purse

How are the words grab and snatch related as synonyms of seize?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch.

grabbed roughly by the arm

When is it sensible to use grasp instead of seize?

The words grasp and seize are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession.

grasp the handle and pull

How do snatch and seize relate to one another?

Snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize.

snatched a doughnut and ran

When could take be used to replace seize?

The words take and seize can be used in similar contexts, but 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 seize The law imposes strict compliance obligations on both domestic and foreign issuers, including the ability to freeze or seize assets in response to lawful orders. Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025 The governor can seize this moment and turn these looming cuts into an opportunity to build something better. Dr. Ashwin Vasan, New York Daily News, 18 July 2025 Bobbi Jo Olson, who was the lead investigator in the case, was asked by prosecutors to identify a computer hard drive and phone seized from Craig during the trial. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 17 July 2025 Yemen’s war began when the Houthis seized Sanaa in 2014. Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for seize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seize
Verb
  • His office looks at the business' activities to understand what will take place on site.
    Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 30 July 2025
  • His attorneys have argued that Brown appears not to be competent for trial and cannot factually understand the capital murder case against him.
    Quinlan Bentley, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Woods was arrested just over a year ago on DUI charges in Georgia’s Gwinnett County.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 24 July 2025
  • Jeremiah Taylor, 18, was arrested by the South Milwaukee Police Department on July 22.
    Chris Ramirez, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Leave your troubles behind and grab a lime, because Thursday is National Tequila Day.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • Concerned, the roommates grabbed golf clubs from one of the first-floor bedrooms and checked the house for a possible intruder.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • From 2022 through 2024, law enforcement officials in California confiscated 139,017 guns used in crimes with identifiable serial numbers, according to the DOJ’s crime guns report.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 12 July 2025
  • No charges have been pressed against Stone, but her family said her phone was confiscated.
    Joey Safchik, NBC news, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Ford’s traditional business operations, known as Ford Blue, earned $661 million in the quarter compared with $1.17 billion in the year-ago quarter.
    Jamie L. LaReau, Freep.com, 31 July 2025
  • The Free Stage is known for drawing crowds with its mix of retro icons and crowd-pleasers.
    Samanta Habashy, IndyStar, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have apprehended a teacher who allegedly overstayed his visa.
    Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
  • The forums proved useful in 2019, when the public learned the sheriff’s office had cooperated with ICE to allow its agents to enter private areas in county jails and apprehend immigrants in detention.
    Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Scannell also said that his dogs as well as one of his neighbors suffered respiratory problems after one of the project's contractors — who was later fired — was caught dumping debris out of the building's windows.
    JC Reindl, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • How about pointing out that cheating, stealing and lying — even when you don’t get caught — are terrible choices that will catch up with you eventually and will hurt others in the meantime?
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • According to police, West stole from his ex-girlfriend Nancy Jones.
    Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 28 July 2025
  • The man police say was dating Nancy Jones — the widow of country music icon George Jones — stole cryptocurrency valued at more than $11.6 million and $400,000 in cash from her, according to a Williamson County arrest affidavit.
    Craig Shoup, Nashville Tennessean, 28 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Seize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seize. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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