1
as in arrested
to take or keep under one's control by authority of law
the officer nabbed the purse snatcher before he could escape
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in grabbed
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
a pickpocket nabbed my wallet
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nabbed
The historic total solar eclipse that captured the nation's attention just one year ago won't soon be forgotten by those who witnessed it - or those who nabbed once-in-a-lifetime photos of it.
—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
The former vice president nabbed nearly 6 in 10 likely primary voters in a February survey from Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics/The Hill.
—Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 4 Apr. 2025
But their populations plummeted in the 18th and 19th centuries, as buccaneers and whalers nabbed tortoises for meat and oil.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
Before she was cast as Abby in The Last of Us, Kaitlyn Dever nearly nabbed the role of Ellie — 10 years before the series debuted on HBO.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Republicans underperformed Despite the fact Republicans turned out in Florida and ultimately nabbed wins, the party still underperformed in both special House elections, as well as in the Wisconsin race.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 2 Apr. 2025
Dowd nabbed the best supporting actress Emmy that year, and two additional nominations in 2018 and 2021.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2025
Three suspects were later nabbed in the Bronx while police released surveillance photos of other suspects, many clad in masks, still being sought.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2025
The Brutalist, a heavy contender earlier in the season after its Golden Globes win for best drama, nabbed two other awards when Lol Crawley took home the prize for cinematography and Daniel Blumberg won for original score.
—Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Mar. 2025
Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
The former vice president nabbed nearly 6 in 10 likely primary voters in a February survey from Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics/The Hill.
—Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 4 Apr. 2025
But their populations plummeted in the 18th and 19th centuries, as buccaneers and whalers nabbed tortoises for meat and oil.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
Before she was cast as Abby in The Last of Us, Kaitlyn Dever nearly nabbed the role of Ellie — 10 years before the series debuted on HBO.
—Esther Kang, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Republicans underperformed Despite the fact Republicans turned out in Florida and ultimately nabbed wins, the party still underperformed in both special House elections, as well as in the Wisconsin race.
—Julia Manchester, The Hill, 2 Apr. 2025
Dowd nabbed the best supporting actress Emmy that year, and two additional nominations in 2018 and 2021.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2025
Three suspects were later nabbed in the Bronx while police released surveillance photos of other suspects, many clad in masks, still being sought.
—Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2025
The Brutalist, a heavy contender earlier in the season after its Golden Globes win for best drama, nabbed two other awards when Lol Crawley took home the prize for cinematography and Daniel Blumberg won for original score.
—Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Mar. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nabbed
Verb
-
Howard was later arrested near the edge of campus after leaving the scene on foot, police said.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Mar. 2025
-
On Thursday, the Harris County Sheriff's Office arrested Antonio Ridge and charged him with Arbaiza's murder, according to Gonzalez.—
Julia Bonavita,
Fox News,
22 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The victim told cops the suspect grabbed her from behind, put her in a bear hug, and grinded against her before escaping down the street.—
Nicholas Williams,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2025
-
If the only avenue for someone grabbed off the street to even present evidence contesting the government’s claims is through a complicated federal habeas claim as they’re getting rushed onto a plane, when many won’t even have lawyers, that’s effectively nothing.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Adebayo did not force his offense, in a game where there was little for the Heat to have to counter in the middle, but then seized control with his scoring late.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Before Hamas seized full control of Gaza in 2007, Christians would often place a large Christmas tree near a major square in Gaza City.—
Aaron Boxerman,
New York Times,
24 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacramento Bee,
25 Mar. 2025
-
They clearly were caught off guard by the Sharks in the first period and didn’t match their energy until the second.—
Phil Thompson,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The school's email came amid outrage by some over the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a university graduate and pro-Palestinian activist who was apprehended over the weekend and is being detained in Louisiana.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
13 Mar. 2025
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Federal immigration authorities apprehended Khalil at a university residence following his participation in a Gaza solidarity encampment organized by Columbia University students in 2024.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
Newsweek,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The French Football Federation’s social media team captured his return to Clairefontaine, where he was shown sharing an embrace with Deschamps moments after crossing the famous chateau’s threshold.—
Tom Williams,
The Athletic,
25 Mar. 2025
-
The cosmic whirlpool was captured in stunning video and appears to have been created by the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster falling back toward Earth, according to experts.—
Michael Dorgan,
Fox News,
25 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nabbed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nabbed. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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