SNATCH Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'snatch' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of snatch are clutch , grab , grasp , seize , and take . While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize . // snatched a doughnut and ran

Q: When is it sensible to use 'clutch' instead of 'snatch'?

The words clutch and snatch can be used in similar contexts, but clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding. // clutching her purse

Q: How are the words 'grab' and 'snatch' related?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch . // grabbed roughly by the arm

Q: When would 'grasp' be a good substitute for 'snatch'?

The words grasp and snatch 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

Q: In what contexts can 'seize' take the place of 'snatch'?

While the synonyms seize and snatch are close in meaning, 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

Q: When can 'take' be used instead of 'snatch'?

The meanings of take and snatch largely overlap; however, take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control. // take some salad from the bowl

snatch 1 of 2

verb

ˈsnach

Definition of snatch next

as in to grab

to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly the brazen seagull snatched the french fry right from my hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

snatch

2 of 2

noun

slang

as in abduction

the unlawful or forcible carrying away of a person or animal to the police chief, it didn't look like a snatch, but another case of a bride-to-be getting cold feet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

snatched a doughnut and ran

When is it sensible to use clutch instead of snatch?

The words clutch and snatch can be used in similar contexts, but 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?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch.

grabbed roughly by the arm

When would grasp be a good substitute for snatch?

The words grasp and snatch 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

In what contexts can seize take the place of snatch?

While the synonyms seize and snatch are close in meaning, 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 can take be used instead of snatch?

The meanings of take and snatch largely overlap; however, 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 snatch

Verb

Vouchers were quickly snatched up. —

Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026 TickPick, an online platform where fans can buy and sell tickets, said prices tend to fall as game day approaches, but warned that's not a guarantee, as some buyers will wait until the last minute to snatch a seat. —

CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026

Noun

While there hasn’t been a particular rash of private sales scams in the city lately, Bosques recalled a case the FBI cracked with the help of a Fremont detective who was investigating a snatch-and-grab robbery at a coffee shop in 2012. —

Joseph Geha, The Mercury News, 8 June 2017 The text, sung by two sopranos, may well have been in Esperanto, as only snatches were decipherable. —

Alan G. Artner, chicagotribune.com, 4 June 2017 See All Example Sentences for snatch

Recent Examples of Synonyms for snatch

Verb

Similarly, Bad Bunny also stopped at a piraguas cart recreation and briefly grabbed a frozen dessert.

— Edward Segarra, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
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

Definition of grab

Browse Nearby Words

snarly

snatch

snatched

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“Snatch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/snatch. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 14 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of snatch

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noun

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