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 next

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 kidnaping

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

Examples 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

And ope, said radicalized reporter’s snatched Lena and told Vance he’s got an hour to scrap the talks or his lady love is dead. —

EW.com, 22 Oct. 2024 Advertisement That too was only temporary because their title was snatched away seconds later when Steres, a former Galaxy defender, scored on a header on the last meaningful touch of the game, giving the Dynamo a 2-1 win and sending the title back to LAFC. —

Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2024

Noun

The text, sung by two sopranos, may well have been in Esperanto, as only snatches were decipherable. —

Alan G. Artner, chicagotribune.com, 4 June 2017 The beat is now peppy with drum and snatches of piano, a common Beatles rhythm. —

Nicholas Dawidoff, The Atlantic, 18 May 2017 See all Example Sentences for snatch

Recent Examples of Synonyms for snatch

Verb

Jason Kelce turns around, grabs someone’s cellphone, and spikes it to the ground.

Andrew Torgan, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024
If not, grab your handheld vacuum to remove any dirt, crumbs and dead skin from the cushion.

Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024