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
New users who take advantage of this new promo can grab the $150 bonus or a $1,500 first bet for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. —Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025 Combs returns to the scene shortly thereafter and appears to grab at the phone. —Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 14 May 2025
Noun
Up for grabs is a total of $2 million in prizes, including $1 million in cash for the first-place winner and a Ferrari 812 GTS for the second-place winner. —Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 20 May 2025 Following the Timberwolves' Game 5 win over the Warriors on Wednesday night and the Pacers' elimination of the Cavaliers earlier this week, just two spots in the NBA Conference Finals remain up for grabs. —Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 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
  • Read Next National Bear learns ‘bad behaviors’ from Colorado resident’s trash habits, officials say May 22, 2025 3:23 PM Read Next National Bear snatches trail cam in its mouth — and is caught on video.
    — Helena Wegner, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2025
  • Sizes are limited, so don’t wait too long to snatch up a pair of these gorgeous leather wedges.
    — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 23 May 2025
Definition of snatch
Noun
  • Antoine Massey, 32, faces charges of domestic abuse involving strangulation, theft of a motor vehicle and a parole violation.
    — Anders Hagstrom , Nate Foy , Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2025
  • This is in large part due to rampant theft of familiar old-school icons; items like My Computer, Calculator, Minesweeper, Search, and more look like they were taken directly from a classic Microsoft tile set.
    — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 23 May 2025
Definition of theft
Verb
  • But is Simone now the villain – or simply someone with a tough upbringing who seized an opportunity to secure her future?
    — Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Israel imposed a blockade on all supplies entering Gaza in March, saying Hamas was seizing supplies meant for civilians - a charge the group denies.
    — Nidal al-Mughrabi, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Definition of seize
Verb
  • Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2025
  • Just be sure to click that boss button before you get caught goofing off.
    — John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 23 May 2025
Definition of catch
Verb
  • Left-hander Pierce Coppola got the start and, after a dominant return against Alabama to the tune of 10 strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings, just couldn’t find the zone.
    — Jackson Castellano, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2025
  • Clients would get the remains of not only their loved one, but also the remains of other bodies.
    — Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 2 June 2025
Definition of get
Verb
  • Amid rewards of $20,000 for tips leading to an apprehension, more than 200 law enforcement personnel led by the Louisiana State Police are seeking to capture them and anyone helping them.
    — Chris Kenning, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • Satellite imagery captured what remained of a mangled 5,000-ton North Korean naval destroyer damaged during its launch ceremony this week, leaving the country's dictator distraught.
    — Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 24 May 2025
Definition of capture
Verb
  • The same day, a plane carrying Mickey Bruce and his Oregon teammates landed at Willow Run Airport for a game against Michigan.
    — Austin Meek, New York Times, 29 May 2025
  • The Mavericks' remarkable reversal of fortune When the NBA draft lottery arrived on May 12, Dallas had a 1.8 percent chance of landing the No. 1 pick.
    — Bobby Krivitsky, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of land
Verb
  • Here are a few go-to places that serve stellar examples, plus a couple of restaurants beloved for their version. 4 Corners Chevron, 502 S Lamar Blvd, Oxford, MS: For the purist's version (meat only) of chicken on a stick, this is the best place to snag a skewer.
    — Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 24 May 2025
  • The user claims to have snagged an Express lane pass later on Thursday, but even that wait was two hours.
    — Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of snag

Phrases Containing grab

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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 4 Jun. 2025.

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