1
as in arresting
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 grabbing
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
a pickpocket nabbed my wallet
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nabbing
The two previously collaborated on the film's screenplay, nabbing a Best Original Screenplay Oscar nomination in the process.
—
Dave Quinn, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Given the available quarterbacks on the market, nabbing Wilson is a solid move.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
But nabbing more young talent in the draft would be good future planning, too.
—Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 20 Mar. 2025
And Payton and general manager George Paton moved aggressively on the first day of free agency to ensnare roster upgrades on the defensive side of the ball, nabbing San Francisco free-agent linebacker Dre Greenlaw and playmaking safety Talanoa Hufanga on multi-year deals.
—Luca Evans, The Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2025
Both actresses had collected wins throughout awards season for their memorable roles, such as Moore nabbing a 2025 Critics Choice Award and Madison winning at the 2025 BAFTAs.
—Sharareh Drury, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025
This year, his luck may change after nabbing his fourth Oscar nomination (third in supporting) for A Complete Unknown.
—Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 1 Mar. 2025
After nabbing statues at the Golden Globes, the British Academy Film Awards, and the Critics' Choice Movie Awards, Edward Berger's follow-up to the Oscar-winning All Quiet On the Western Front scored eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 27 Feb. 2025
While Season 3 did not make the same amount of noise that Seasons 1 and 2 did, the show has remained creatively strong, with Season 3 nabbing another 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, as well as culturally relevant as the most recent installment tackled serious mental health issues.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2025
Dave Quinn, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Given the available quarterbacks on the market, nabbing Wilson is a solid move.
—Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
But nabbing more young talent in the draft would be good future planning, too.
—Parker Gabriel, The Denver Post, 20 Mar. 2025
And Payton and general manager George Paton moved aggressively on the first day of free agency to ensnare roster upgrades on the defensive side of the ball, nabbing San Francisco free-agent linebacker Dre Greenlaw and playmaking safety Talanoa Hufanga on multi-year deals.
—Luca Evans, The Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2025
Both actresses had collected wins throughout awards season for their memorable roles, such as Moore nabbing a 2025 Critics Choice Award and Madison winning at the 2025 BAFTAs.
—Sharareh Drury, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025
This year, his luck may change after nabbing his fourth Oscar nomination (third in supporting) for A Complete Unknown.
—Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 1 Mar. 2025
After nabbing statues at the Golden Globes, the British Academy Film Awards, and the Critics' Choice Movie Awards, Edward Berger's follow-up to the Oscar-winning All Quiet On the Western Front scored eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 27 Feb. 2025
While Season 3 did not make the same amount of noise that Seasons 1 and 2 did, the show has remained creatively strong, with Season 3 nabbing another 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, as well as culturally relevant as the most recent installment tackled serious mental health issues.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 26 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nabbing
Verb
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According to the motion, ICE agents held the 12 Liberty employees in four booths for nearly two hours before arresting them and escorting them out of the restaurant.—
Taylor O’Connor,
Kansas City Star,
15 Mar. 2025
-
The California Values Act, also known as Senate Bill 54, took effect in 2018 and limits how police in the state can work with federal immigration enforcement and also prevents police from investigating or arresting people for immigration enforcement purposes.—
Anabel Sosa,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The White Sox, though, had other ideas, grabbing Smith with the first pick of the draft for $100,000.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
-
The Ravens believe in drafting corners every year, and the first-round selection of Nate Wiggins in 2024 won’t prevent them from grabbing another cornerback early.—
Jeff Zrebiec,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Pretending to be dead, Gi-hun and his friends launch a surprise attack, overpowering the guards and seizing their weapons, leaving only one guard alive.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes,
28 Dec. 2024
-
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) forces have since received training by Russian forces in the Far East and first engaged in combat with Ukrainian military in November, subsequently seizing their first village in Kursk, Plekhovo, earlier this month.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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This is an instinctive behavior due to their nature as predators, storing energy to use it later when catching prey.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
14 Mar. 2025
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The agency said gushes of water flooded downstream villages, catching the children who were fishing or doing laundry on a nearby river by surprise and also destroying agricultural equipment and killing livestock.—
Compiled by Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports,
arkansasonline.com,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Ukraine launched its shock incursion into Kursk in August, swiftly capturing territory in what was the first ground invasion of Russia by a foreign power since World War II.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN,
15 Mar. 2025
-
California has long struggled with chronic drought and water scarcity—Newsweek spoke to two experts about whether capturing water from fog may be able to help.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
15 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nabbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nabbing. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
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