1
as in to understand
to have a clear idea of
a critic with a sharp intellect that is able to seize the most subtle nuances of a work of art
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to arrest
to take or keep under one's control by authority of law
seized the leaders of one of the city's major drug rings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to grab
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
seized the escaping balloon just before it got out of reach
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to confiscate
to take or make use of under a guise of authority but without actual right
Richard III seized the English throne from his brother Edward in 1483
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of seize
In the second Trump Administration, a class of Silicon Valley leaders was insinuating itself into politics in a way that recalled one of Mimura’s primary subjects of study: the élite bureaucrats who seized political power and drove Japan into the Second World War.
—
Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2025
Spanish explorers, driven by the promise of immense wealth, embarked on expeditions to the New World and seized vast amounts of gold from the local population.
—Gabriel O. Rodriguez, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit seized 148 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, according to a statement the sheriff's office posted to Facebook.
—Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025
Panama has rejected his demand that the United States seize the Panama Canal.
—Mark Landler, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for seize
Kyle Chayka, The New Yorker, 26 Feb. 2025
Spanish explorers, driven by the promise of immense wealth, embarked on expeditions to the New World and seized vast amounts of gold from the local population.
—Gabriel O. Rodriguez, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Drug Unit seized 148 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, according to a statement the sheriff's office posted to Facebook.
—Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025
Panama has rejected his demand that the United States seize the Panama Canal.
—Mark Landler, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for seize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seize
Verb
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Racers understand the dangers their sport presents, and while NASCAR has been proactive in its safety measures, there’s always more to be done.—
Shane Connuck,
Charlotte Observer,
23 Feb. 2025
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But the players, at least, understood the importance of that moment, and not just everything that had come before.—
Louisa Thomas,
The New Yorker,
23 Feb. 2025
Verb
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In exchange for Hamas releasing three more Israeli hostages, Israel freed another 369 Palestinian prisoners on Saturday, most of whom were arrested in the Gaza Strip after the terror attack on Oct. 7, 2023.—
Nadine El-Bawab,
ABC News,
18 Feb. 2025
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Jack Lasota, 34, was arrested Sunday along with Michelle Zajko, 33, of Media, Pennsylvania.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Then, almost missing the cue, Belushi stepped forward and grabbed the mic stand.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
17 Feb. 2025
-
Brendan Coyle made five 3-pointers and grabbed six rebounds.—
Staff And Wire Reports,
Hartford Courant,
16 Feb. 2025
Verb
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This was when the government of Robert Mugabe confiscated land in Zimbabwe in a very aggressive way.—
Isaac Chotiner,
The New Yorker,
19 Feb. 2025
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Their journey began more than a year ago when they were confiscated from smugglers at the Mexican border after being snatched from the wild, their mothers killed in the process.—
Adriana Pérez,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Who knew the hardest thing about an awards show acceptance speech could be holding the trophy?—
Anna Kaufman,
USA TODAY,
25 Feb. 2025
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Millions of years’ worth of sea creatures’ bones and shells, which are incredible sources of calcium, have been compressed through the ages to create the calcareous soils that the region is known for.—
Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen,
Robb Report,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The third suspect was apprehended within the hour and was injured when a police dog took him down in the area of Wilson Street and Sunnyside Avenue, Spagnolo said last week.—
Staff Reports,
Hartford Courant,
17 Feb. 2025
-
He was then apprehended by two officers without any resistance, police said.—
Nadine El-Bawab,
ABC News,
15 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Some common species span from the dark-eyed junco to the red-winged blackbird to the great blue heron, while fortunate visitors might catch a glimpse of a bald eagle soaring high above the river in search of fish.—
Jared Ranahan,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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The show follows a Secret Service agent caught in a web of conspiracy after the U.S. president is assassinated, with no suspect in sight.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The Amazon Prime login page that, if completed, will steal your account credentials.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes,
22 Feb. 2025
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Six days later, the couple lured a man in his 50s to the hotel room to engage in prostitution with Lebron, but after the man handed over the cash and undressed, Lebron threw bleach in his face and the duo beat him for several hours before stealing his phone, wallet and car keys.—
Roni Jacobson,
New York Daily News,
22 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to seize
Cite this Entry
“Seize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seize. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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