seize

12 synonyms and 8 antonyms for seize, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Verb — To grab hold of something on purpose, often quickly or firmly.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

appropriate assume capture grab

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

clutch conquer attach

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

prehend confiscate sequester arrogate impound

Synonyms by Meaning

1. verb

To grab hold of something on purpose, often quickly or firmly.

“She had to seize the railing to stop herself from falling.”

appropriate clutch prehend conquer confiscate assume sequester arrogate attach impound capture grab

Opposites

loose drop unhand

2. verb

To make the most of a chance when it comes along.

“If you want that job, you must seize the opportunity now.”

Opposites

forego

3. verb

To take control of something, using force or the law.

“The authorities can seize goods that were brought into the country illegally.”

Opposites

abdicate bestow liberate abandon

Etymology

Earlier spelt seise, this word came from Middle English seisen, sesen or saisen, from Old French seisir (“to take possession of; invest (person, court)”), from Early Medieval Latin sacīre (“to lay claim to, appropriate”) (8th century), used in the phrase ad propriam sacire, from Old Low Frankish *sakjan (“to sue, bring...

Full origin of seize →

People also searched

drop appropriate assume grab loose capture abandon attach clutch conquer liberate sequester

Nearby words

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