SNATCH Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'snatch' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of snatch are clutch , grab , grasp , seize , and take . While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize . // snatched a doughnut and ran

Q: When is it sensible to use 'clutch' instead of 'snatch'?

The words clutch and snatch can be used in similar contexts, but clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding. // clutching her purse

Q: How are the words 'grab' and 'snatch' related?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch . // grabbed roughly by the arm

Q: When would 'grasp' be a good substitute for 'snatch'?

The words grasp and snatch 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

Q: In what contexts can 'seize' take the place of 'snatch'?

While the synonyms seize and snatch are close in meaning, 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

Q: When can 'take' be used instead of 'snatch'?

The meanings of take and snatch largely overlap; however, take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control. // take some salad from the bowl

snatch 1 of 2

verb

ˈsnach

Definition of snatch

as in to grab

to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly the brazen seagull snatched the french fry right from my hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

snatch

2 of 2

noun

slang

as in abduction

the unlawful or forcible carrying away of a person or animal to the police chief, it didn't look like a snatch, but another case of a bride-to-be getting cold feet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How is the word snatch different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of snatch are clutch, grab, grasp, seize, and take. While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize.

snatched a doughnut and ran

When is it sensible to use clutch instead of snatch?

The words clutch and snatch can be used in similar contexts, but 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?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch.

grabbed roughly by the arm

When would grasp be a good substitute for snatch?

The words grasp and snatch 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

In what contexts can seize take the place of snatch?

While the synonyms seize and snatch are close in meaning, 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 can take be used instead of snatch?

The meanings of take and snatch largely overlap; however, 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 snatch

Verb

Fashion Month only ended yesterday, but Emma D’Arcy has already snatched one of the season’s hottest looks straight off the runway. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026 Just last month, robbers snatched four paintings by Renoir from another small museum, this time in the south of France. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Noun

Instead of the snatch, Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Heck taught Simmons to counter a power rush with a move called the Hamilton. — Pj Green may 23, Kansas City Star, 23 May 2026 Emerson had a 290 in the clean-and-jerk and 235 in the snatch (525 total) in the 154-pound weight class. — Alex Kushel, Sun Sentinel, 9 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for snatch

Recent Examples of Synonyms for snatch

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

Noun

Once investigators began digging into Evonitz’s past, Chamberlain’s abduction proved to be only part of the story.

— Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office said an arrest has been made in connection with the abduction of a man from a North Miami apartment who was later found dead this month.

— CBS Miami Team, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of abduction

Noun

Russ has a solid roster of people from different stretches of Tyson’s life, from childhood friends to gym partners to follow boxers to family members to several of the women who didn’t divorce him or accuse him of rape.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
Soon thereafter, she is diagnosed with dementia and learns that her grandson has committed serial rape.

— E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of rape

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

Noun

In 2011, Assad’s authorities were blamed for the kidnapping of senior Baath Party official Shibli al-Aysami from the Lebanese mountain town of Aley.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
Devorise Carl Johnson, 21, now faces several charges, including first-degree murder and kidnapping with a weapon or firearm, according to an arrest form.

— CBS Miami Team, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of kidnapping

Noun

The harrowing but ultimately hopeful story of the FlyDubai airline hijacking incident last month is being developed as a narrative film by Dori Media Group and India’s Sphereorigin.

— Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Direct flights between the two countries were suspended in 1985 by the Reagan administration after the hijacking of TWA Flight 847.

— ABC News, ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of hijacking

Browse Nearby Words

snarly

snatch

snatched

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

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Synonyms of snatch

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noun

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