1
as in understood
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 arrested
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 grabbed
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 confiscated
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 seized
On December 30, two suspects, Dick Hickock and Perry Smith, were seized in Las Vegas.
—
Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
In the months before Maduro was seized, Machado’s allies were optimistic.
—Dexter Filkins, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2026
In an about-face on Monday, a federal judge has decided to hold an evidentiary hearing to determine if Luigi Mangione’s backpack was lawfully seized and searched inside an Altoona, Pennsylvania, McDonald’s during his arrest.
—Julia Bonavita , Maria Paronich, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Several Altoona officers testified during a three-week hearing in state court where Mangione is seeking to exclude evidence police seized from his backpack, including the alleged murder weapon, a notebook and writings.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 12 Jan. 2026
Venezuela seized Exxon’s and ConocoPhillips’ assets in 2007, and Caracas owes the companies billions of dollars in outstanding claims from arbitration cases.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 12 Jan. 2026
Chabad is at the Supreme Court in its long-running legal fight to retrieve historically significant Jewish books seized by the Soviet Union nearly a century ago.
—Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 12 Jan. 2026
When the wallet became active, the funds were frozen and eventually seized.
—Tim Fang, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
The London punk rebels seized the revolutionary spirit of 1977 with their raw manifesto The Clash, then refined their sound with the flawed Give ‘Em Enough Rope.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seized
Verb
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The danger is that a story might not be understood.—
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As a preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ, King understood that the spirit of the Lord was upon him, and he was anointed to deal with the problems of the poor.—
Verb
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Adolescence follows a 13-year-old boy, Jamie Miller (Cooper), who is accused and arrested for murdering a teenage girl in his class.—
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Local officials have called for immigration authorities to leave the city and for the officer behind the shooting to be arrested.—
Verb
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Jazzy Davidson scored all of her 12 points in the first quarter on a poor shooting night (5 for 23 from the field), grabbed five boards and dished out five assists.—
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Towns scored 17 and grabbed 20 rebounds for New York, while Mikal Bridges scored 21 and OG Anunoby scored 25.—
Verb
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French authorities confiscated the cocaine.—
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While raising the kids together, Ruby and Hildebrandt abused the two youngest children with harsh punishments and torture, according to Ruby's journal that was later confiscated.—
Verb
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Several people remained suspects until their deaths, including nightclub owner Mark Hansen, who knew Short.—
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Police haven't yet said if the suspect and victim knew each other, as their investigation continues.—
Verb
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O’Hara said city police officers have responded to calls about cars abandoned because their drivers have been apprehended by immigration enforcement.—
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Timmons was apprehended on December 17, 2025, taken to Carroll County Central Booking, and served with a warrant.—
Verb
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Mercury Row Hegg Linen Tufted Upholstered Platform Bed Shopping for a bed can be pricy, which is why this platform option—discounted by more than $700—immediately caught my eye.—
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Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.—
Verb
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On another play in the second half, Lenert stole a cross pass.—
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The homeowner told police that the suspect stole a $90 area rug.—
Cite this Entry
“Seized.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seized. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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