nab

verb

ˈnab How to pronounce nab (audio)
Definition of nabnext
1
as in to arrest
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 to grab
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly a pickpocket nabbed my wallet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 nab The only other debut album to nab the same honors in the past decade was Chris Stapleton, with Traveller. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2026 Debuting in limited release from A24 was Chris Rock’s Misty Green, which nabbed $27,000 on Friday from six locations in New York and Los Angeles. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 10 Oct. 2026 Many of the wines that were nabbed are beloved by the wine community the world over, such as Tignanello, one of the first Super Tuscans, a red wine that is blended entirely without white grapes. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026 The acquaintance told police where Carrasco was hiding out and cops raced there and nabbed him. — Theodore Parisienne, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nab
  1. arrest
  2. grab
  3. seize
  4. catch
  5. apprehend
  6. snatch
  7. detain
Verb
  • Now, in yet another blow to national self-esteem, the ex-head of Germany’s foreign intelligence agency, the BND, has been arrested on charges of exploiting state secrets.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Roseville police have arrested a 15-year-old boy in connection with the fatal stabbing of a homeless woman downtown earlier this week, authorities said.
    — Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of arrest
Verb
  • Ditto for the reinterpretation of thong sandals that grabbed attention at Givenchy and Jean Paul Gaultier, or the clear vinyl-like styles seen at Balenciaga, Chloé, Simone Rocha, Stella McCartney and Moschino, among others.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Mel Ismail, a 56-year-old father, was rescued by another surfer who just happened to show up at the beach and was willing to risk his own life by grabbing his board and heading towards the bloody water.
    — Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of grab
Verb
  • The continent’s political leaders must seize the moment to act, and not let this moment of Europtimism slide.
    — Sophie Dembinski, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The latest conflict between the Saudis and the Houthis began last month after the rebels seized key areas along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical waterway for oil shipments.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of seize
Verb
  • Doechii’s latest release caught the attention of Doja Cat, who pleaded with rap fans from all walks of life to press play.
    — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 12 Oct. 2026
  • He gets caught in a rainstorm with the main character, a destitute fourth grader.
    — E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of catch
Verb
  • Two detainees held at Deportation Depot were released by mistake over the weekend and later apprehended and returned to the detention facility, officials have confirmed.
    — Ana Goñi-Lessan, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The unidentified suspect fled on a scooter as the officers attempted to apprehend him, police said.
    — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of apprehend
Verb
  • Once the vehicle is loaded on it, the slave deck can easily be snatched with a front-end loader sporting long forks.
    — Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Little buried the 57-yard field goal as the Jaguars snatched victory from the jaws (or, in this case, claws) of defeat.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of snatch
Verb
  • New details emerged late Monday about what allegedly occurred on board the flight and in the aftermath when Blair was detained at JFK and transported to a local hospital.
    — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Another man detained by officers, identified as 25-year-old Adrian Liscano Ramos of Santa Rosa, was on probation.
    — Tim Fang, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of detain

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Cite this Entry

“Nab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nab. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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