1
as in knows
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in arrests
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 grabs
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
seized the escaping balloon just before it got out of reach
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in confiscates
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of seizes
The slender but powerful book takes place over the course of a week, when Ma’s plans are suddenly imperiled while Boomba seizes the chance to make up for his past mistakes and help his family.
—
Stuart Miller, Oc Register, 22 Dec. 2025
In the novel, Joan Goodwin, a physics professor with a lifelong love of the stars, seizes the chance to join NASA’s first class of women astronauts and soon finds friendship, passion, and purpose among her fellow trainees.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 20 Dec. 2025
Sylvie is uncharacteristically distraught, and Emily seizes the moment to swipe Sylvie’s phone and send herself the link to Muratori’s film.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2025
Tonight’s game could easily hinge on which team handles pressure better and seizes momentum early.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
The Coast Guard stops the ships, apprehends those aboard and seizes the illicit drugs.
—Kerry Breen, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025
Can these fleeting moments that Lily seizes on, these rapturous, silent asides—can they be translated into art, into something that lasts?
—Literary Hub, 9 Dec. 2025
Dolores notices they are gone and begins to lash out, and Abby seizes an opportunity to knock Dolores out.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Oct. 2025
Continue reading … CRYPTO CRACKDOWN – DOJ seizes record $15 billion in Bitcoin in largest US forfeiture ever.
—FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seizes
Verb
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The organizers pledged to continue the campaign throughout awards season to ensure the public knows the names of Good and others killed by ICE agents in shootings.—
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Amal Clooney knows all about dressing for the occasion.—
Verb
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Bascombe is the one who arrests Jamie Miller (Cooper) under suspicion of murder.—
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Police officer Hugo Crussi (Vogrincic) traces the voice to a young preacher, Jonas Flores (Zurita), and arrests him.—
Verb
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But as the ball arrives the defender grabs the jersey with the right hand and pulls the defender down.—
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As one officer grabs at her door handle, a third officer who had circled to the front of the SUV from the opposite side draws his gun.—
Verb
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The children designated as Palestinians, meanwhile, have their drawings torn up and are relegated to small corners of the classroom while the teacher confiscates their candy.—
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Milwaukee Marshall High School confiscates a student’s phone until the end of the day for a first offense, requires a parent pickup after a second offense and issues an automatic suspension for repeat violations.—
Verb
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Despite his layered duplicity, Jonathan understands and defines himself by courting risk.—
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Plummer understands Nix is in a difficult spot.—
Verb
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The Coast Guard stops the ships, apprehends those aboard and seizes the illicit drugs.—
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Suppose the number is read in one case out of a hundred, and that the information reaches someone who apprehends the culprit in one case out of one thousand.—
Verb
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Australian Geographic reports that the bird catches prey midair during hunting.—
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Despite these close ties, the identity of the murderer catches her completely by surprise.—
Verb
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Jokic usurps Nurkic Jusuf Nurkic became Jokic’s first backup center in unceremonious fashion, getting benched by Michael Malone 25 games into his third season.—
Cite this Entry
“Seizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seizes. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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