grab 1 of 2

verb

ˈgrab How to pronounce grab (audio)
Definition of grabnext
as in to snatch
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly don't grab my arm like that

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

grab

2 of 2

noun

as in theft
an instance of theft a political activist who thinks the government's lease of public lands to logging companies amounts to an illegal land grab

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

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

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

grabbed roughly by the arm

When can clutch be used instead of grab?

Although the words clutch and grab have much in common, clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding.

clutching her purse

In what contexts can grasp take the place of grab?

In some situations, the words grasp and grab are roughly equivalent. However, grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession.

grasp the handle and pull

Where would seize be a reasonable alternative to grab?

The words seize and grab can be used in similar contexts, but 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

How do snatch and seize relate to one another, in the sense of grab?

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

snatched a doughnut and ran

When could take be used to replace grab?

The words take and grab are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 grab
Verb
Despite being urged to safety by Thom, who has some connection with her family, Alayne grabs the weapon and turns it on the Darkfriend, seemingly vaporizing her and the entire last minute or so of her existence. —Sean T. Collins, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2025 And last but not least, grab a handy Duracell Rechargeable Battery Bundle for $15. —Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
In Florida, two deep-red House seats in the state’s 1st and 6th congressional districts are up for grabs. —Julia Manchester, The Hill, 1 Apr. 2025 Reeling from electoral defeat and shocked by the blitz of the Trump administration’s power grabs, politicians and civil society groups are uncertain about the path forward and hesitant to take bold steps. —Laura Gamboa, Foreign Affairs, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grab
  1. snatch
  2. theft
  3. seize
  4. catch
  5. get
  6. capture
  7. land
  8. snag
Verb
  • His father, Wilmer Gutiérrez, is now searching for answers after his son was snatched by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The two were paired together again in a major, just like last year's U.S. Open, which DeChambeau snatched from McIlroy in the late holes.
    — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Definition of snatch
Noun
  • Details of how detectives connected the thefts and closed in on the three men have not been released.
    — Mark Price, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025
  • California lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are seeking hundreds of millions of state dollars to support the implementation of the state’s new theft and drug treatment law.
    — Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of theft
Verb
  • These results suggest that media-savvy Democrats who seize this moment to call out Trump and the MAGA agenda could put themselves in a strong position to become the next leader of the Democratic Party.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
  • This shift could unlock massive opportunities for entrepreneurs who are bold enough to act, smart enough to wait for clarity, and strategic enough to seize the moment.
    — Dileep Rao, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of seize
Verb
  • Doses are given at: 2 months 4 months 6 months 15–18 months 4–6 years Can adults get whooping cough? Adults can catch whooping cough, though symptoms tend to be milder than in children.
    — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2025
  • On Tuesday, Bloomberg reported that the mayor of Heath, Ohio — where work was paused — caught the city officials by surprise.
    — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of catch
Verb
  • Perry shared a series of photographs of Lucio growing up: at 3 months, 7 months, and a year old, with his hair getting longer and curlier each time, before bringing the now 18-month-old Lucio into the video.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • In the game, Joel intercedes by shoving the man, Seth, and telling him to get the hell out.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of get
Verb
  • What to know about Blue Origin after celebrity spaceflight NASA's Perseverance rover captures 'fiendish' dueling dust devils on Mars: See video What causes the Lyrid meteors?
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The case captured national attention when Shakespeare, who won a $30 million lottery prize in 2006, vanished in 2009.
    — Doc Louallen, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of capture
Verb
  • Videos of people landing sharks — especially iconic species like the great white — get lots of clicks, shares, and praise online.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The Titans land a franchise quarterback.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of land
Verb
  • This helps protect them from snagging or getting damaged during washing.
    — Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Mother’s Day is right around the corner, followed by springtime socializing and summer soirées, so here’s your chance to snag a new purse deal just in time for gifting to a loved one, or yourself.
    — Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of snag

Phrases Containing grab

Browse Nearby Words

gownsmen
grab
grab bag
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Cite this Entry

“Grab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grab. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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