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

Savchenko competed as a pro on 13 seasons of DWTS, and has yet to snatch the Mirrorball Trophy. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Oct. 2026 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

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

Finally, grab 32% off the Eufy E340 Security Video Doorbell with Chime, providing dual 2K cameras and color night vision.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026
James scored 18 points, grabbed two rebounds and was a minus-22 going up against Paul Reed, and the 76ers were left to hope his presence at center was nothing more than a cameo.

— Dan Gelston, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of grab

Noun

The International Criminal Court in 2023 issued an arrest warrant for Putin for war crimes, accusing him of personal responsibility for the abductions of children from Ukraine.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Other theories about Madeleine’s disappearance include a botched robbery that resulted in her murder or an abduction by human traffickers.

— Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of abduction

Verb

SpaceX's confidence in its ability to catch both the Super Heavy and Ship stages has been building this year, following three launches so far in 2026.

— Josh Dinner, Space.com, 26 Oct. 2026
In Minor Black Figures, Taylor casts a sharp gaze on the New York art scene through the eyes of Wyeth, a young Black painter caught in the throes of creative struggle.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of catch

Noun

The twins also face two pending rape cases in Florida state court.

— Kara Scannell, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
Comparing the administration's fight to protect women and women's spaces from males to rape, is utterly disgusting and actually devalues those atrocities and crimes against actual women.

— Jon Root OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of rape

Verb

Experts worry federal law enforcement could potentially use those false claims — or others generated this year — as pretext to try to seize ballots during the counting period, or interfere in the process in some other way.

— Miles Parks, NPR, 22 Oct. 2026
Those weaknesses could enable cybercriminals to seize control of unprotected website servers, install malware, pilfer customer data and even take sites down completely.

— Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of seize

Noun

Haiti’s government described the incident as a kidnapping and said the search for the technicians was its top priority.

— ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Investigators say that surveillance video of the kidnapping shows a man wearing black gloves getting out of the same vehicle.

— Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of kidnapping

Noun

Delron Pickens, of Independence, was charged with one count of vehicle hijacking and one count of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child in Jackson County Circuit Court on Sunday.

— Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2026
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

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 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of snatch

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noun

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