GRAB Synonyms: 71 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

grab 1 of 2

verb

ˈgrab

Definition of grab next

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

Marvel Spider-Man's Car and Doc Ock Building Set Don’t forget to grab a Valentine’s Gift for the little one in your life. —

Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025 Also using a franchise model, the company operates a network of almost 10,000 stores across China, hoping to grab consumer attention with as many storefronts as possible, according to its prospectus. —

Yue Wang, Forbes, 5 Feb. 2025

Noun

Senators must recognize the existential threat to the Constitution and American democracy that Trump’s power grab represents and respond with the requisite alarm. —

Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025 Pamela Anderson’s Vivienne Westwood dress will also be up for grabs. —

Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for grab

Recent Examples of Synonyms for grab

Verb

The 4 Nations Face-Off began on Wednesday when Canada threw away a two-goal lead in regulation but came back to snatch a 4-3 overtime victory against Sweden thanks to a winner from Mitch Marner.

— Jamie Barton, CNN, 14 Feb. 2025
Technology can fail us—batteries die, signals drop, phones get snatched by thieves and apps can be exploited by people with bad intentions.

— Dan Perry, Newsweek, 12 Feb. 2025