seize

verb

ˈsēz How to pronounce seize (audio)
Definition of seizenext
1
as in to understand
to have a clear idea of a critic with a sharp intellect that is able to seize the most subtle nuances of a work of art

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to arrest
to take or keep under one's control by authority of law seized the leaders of one of the city's major drug rings

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to grab
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly seized the escaping balloon just before it got out of reach

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to confiscate
to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right Richard III seized the English throne from his brother Edward in 1483

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 State police said Guerette was removed from his vehicle for safety reasons before troopers searched the minivan, allegedly finding a loaded 9mm handgun in a box, which was seized by police. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026 After decades of relatively peaceful seas, cargo vessels have become high-priority targets, getting damaged, sunk or seized with abandon. — Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Israel has waged war in the Gaza Strip, invaded southern Lebanon and seized territory in Syria, as well as launching two air campaigns against Iran. — Reuters, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026 The Fanjuls controlled 10 mills in Cuba before Castro seized their holdings. — Miami Herald, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for seize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seize
  1. understand
  2. arrest
  3. grab
  4. confiscate
  5. know
  6. apprehend
  7. catch
  8. steal
Verb
  • Furthermore, understanding compensation gaps helps identify valuable expertise and actionable development paths.
    — Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Not necessarily having control of it, but understanding what Kanan did and how this was going to come back to him.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of understand
Verb
  • In May 2019, San Jose police retrieved the suspects’ phones from the arresting agencies and found photos taken inside a San Jose hotel two days before Tran’s killing.
    — Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Keyan Rundell, 17, of DeLand, was arrested Wednesday in the July 28 killing of Dustin Rose, 19, and Samson Campbell, 18.
    — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of arrest
Verb
  • Profanity also grabs attention since the shock value of an F-bomb can lead to more media coverage and clips circulating on social media.
    — Jeff Wagner, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Alice slowly gets Marshall to lie on the floor, grabs the bottle of whiskey, and pours it into his mouth with glee.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of grab
Verb
  • Reuters — The Thai teen behind a deadly school shooting outside Bangkok had an air gun confiscated by a teacher last year and had watched violent content online, police said on Sunday, as the government promised new safety protocols for schools.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
  • But Gale found an unlikely refuge in books that had been confiscated from the belongings of new members.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of confiscate
Verb
  • The findings from the 2017 eclipse suggested another explanation, known as the diffraction-interference, might be responsible for shadow bands.
    — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Raquel’s battling that same thing of just not really knowing how, but wanting to be in her version of being a good mom.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of know
Verb
  • One subject was apprehended after traveling down from Canada on a Jet Ski, Peck told CBS News.
    — Laura Geller, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • He was apprehended days later in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after a McDonald’s employee called the police.
    — Adam Reiss, NBC news, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of apprehend
Verb
  • Also, after the first round, each mini-game has a separate metagame, where one or more players have a secret goal to meet without getting caught.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Many fans have been playing the game for years and aren't necessarily into a radical change on such a huge mechanic like catching passes.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of catch
Verb
  • Winona decided not to replace their cameras after several were stolen.
    — Ashley Grams, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In February, a police officer pulled over a Chevrolet Tahoe based on a false positive by a Flock Safety license plate reader that reported the plate stolen.
    — Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of steal

Browse Nearby Words

seiners
seize
seized
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Seize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seize. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on seize

Nglish: Translation of seize for Spanish Speakers

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