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
Order fish tacos or fresh salads at Bad Boy Burrito; grab at coffee at Cafe Moka; shop for clothing and gifts at Miss Monroe Boutique; and browse the open-air stalls at boo kee sue Botanics for handmade textiles, ceramics, and more. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 12 July 2025 To find your nearest 7-Eleven and grab a free Slurpee, search the store locator on 7-Eleven's website. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 11 July 2025
Noun
Sanders landed in an optimal situation, considering Cleveland’s starting quarterback job is up for grabs and that the other candidates are 40-year-old Joe Flacco, journeyman Kenny Pickett and third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel. —Peter Sblendorio, Mercury News, 22 July 2025 Cars up for grabs include a Bugatti Bolide, a 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Torpédo, a 1952 Jaguar C-Type, and a Ferrari F40. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 22 July 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
  • Though, they have been known to try to snatch plastic water bottles and other treasures from guests' belongings (seems like fair revenge to me).
    — Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 23 July 2025
  • Our goal isn't to snatch phones and iPads and screens.
    — Eileen Finan, People.com, 22 July 2025
Definition of snatch
Noun
  • After the weapons theft, Jacquet reportedly received a phone call to set up a meeting.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 July 2025
  • The theft lasted around 30 seconds, the report states.
    — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 24 July 2025
Definition of theft
Verb
  • Marino revealed to This American Life that during the early days of filming the reality show, Butler approached him about selling large amounts of marijuana that had been seized in drug raids by Wielsch.
    — Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 22 July 2025
  • Investigators noted that one of the devices that was seized could not be examined because it was encrypted, the warrant affidavit said.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 22 July 2025
Definition of seize
Verb
  • Scannell also said that his dogs as well as one of his neighbors suffered respiratory problems after one of the project's contractors — who was later fired — was caught dumping debris out of the building's windows.
    — JC Reindl, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • This round of activity, meanwhile, is expected to stretch further south, giving more states a chance at catching a glimpse of the colorful display.
    — Skyler Caruso, People.com, 22 July 2025
Definition of catch
Verb
  • The Raptors got within one on a 3-pointer by Jamal Shead with 3:56 to go.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 20 July 2025
  • Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.
    — Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 19 July 2025
Definition of get
Verb
  • The case captured national attention because of its controversy.
    — Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 July 2025
  • One bison might be responsible for capturing several predators, leading to the apparent dominance of carnivores in the pits.
    — Ian Rose, JSTOR Daily, 23 July 2025
Definition of capture
Verb
  • Wood hit 16 homers, including one that landed on the roof of the Chop House behind the right-field wall.
    — Ronald Blum, Baltimore Sun, 15 July 2025
  • Wood hit 16 homers, including a 486-foot shot and one that landed on the roof of the Chop House behind the right-field wall.
    — Ronald Blum, Chicago Tribune, 15 July 2025
Definition of land
Verb
  • Plus, snag the best-selling Coofandy Men’s Linen Shirt for just $30 today.
    — Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 23 July 2025
  • For your patio, snag this antique-looking birdbath with its scrolling base and large bowl that will bring nature to your yard.
    — Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 22 July 2025
Definition of snag

Phrases Containing grab

Browse Nearby Words

gownsmen
grab
grab bag
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grab. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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