1
as in control
the ability to direct the course of something
The team got out to a big lead and rightly assumed that victory was within their grasp.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in grip
the act or manner of holding
during the roller coaster ride, my date clutched my arm with a deathlike grasp
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in understanding
the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something
I think I finally have a grasp of Spanish grammar
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to understand
to have a practical understanding of
he just doesn't grasp how important it is that he call when he'll be late
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to hug
to put one's arms around and press tightly
the departing soldier grasped his children a little closer than usual
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to hold
to reach for and take hold of by embracing with the fingers or arms
the attendant grasped my arm and steered me towards the door
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to know
to have a clear idea of
the emergency operator finally grasped what he was trying to tell her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 grasp
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 21 Jan. 2026
With his deep roots in music and an instinctive grasp of culture, Pharrell Williams has often leaned toward a streetwear-forward sensibility, but this collection struck a careful balance.
—Mecca Pryor, Essence, 21 Jan. 2026
Max Tani, semafor.com, 23 Dec. 2025
Minaj appeared to immediately grasp her flub, covered her face and went silent for several awkward seconds.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grasp
Noun
According to the team, the process began by generating a library of collision-free, kinematically feasible grasp poses, since grasping requirements directly influence finger placement and crawling performance.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 21 Jan. 2026
With his deep roots in music and an instinctive grasp of culture, Pharrell Williams has often leaned toward a streetwear-forward sensibility, but this collection struck a careful balance.
—Mecca Pryor, Essence, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the last 24 hours is that Weiss appears not to have totally grasped the firestorm her decision would provoke.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 23 Dec. 2025
Minaj appeared to immediately grasp her flub, covered her face and went silent for several awkward seconds.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasp
Noun
-
For many women, selling Avon was their first opportunity to earn and control income, even if earnings were modest.—
Paula de la Cruz,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
That means American users’ experience on the app is unlikely to change in a visible way, although the algorithm that determines what videos are served to their feeds could shift as the new ownership group takes control.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The Celtics, who took three of four from the Pacers, improved to 27-16, strengthening their grip on second place in the East standings.—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Local governments have suffered from the loss of land sales revenue, while Beijing tightened its grip on local authorities’ financing vehicles, which has limited their investment into infrastructure.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
21 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
While there are a lot more nuances to dynasty fantasy football, this should give you a brief understanding of the fundamentals.—
Steve Bradshaw,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
-
How have your careers as an attorney and Air Force JAG officer shaped your understanding of advocacy?—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Used by more than just psychiatrists, the DSM is considered the very foundation of how mental health issues are understood.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images MONTREAL — Cole Caufield arrived for his on-air interview between the second and third periods Tuesday night understanding the exact situation in which his Montreal Canadiens found themselves.—
Arpon Basu,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The couple hugged after the Indiana Fever's win over the New York Liberty at a June 2025 game.—
Brendan Le,
PEOPLE,
22 Jan. 2026
-
In late 2025, an East Los Angeles woman shared a message with the public, pleading for the return of a necklace holding her late daughter's ashes, which was stolen when a woman pretended to ask her for directions and hugged her in return.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Goodarzi is being held without bail at the Central Detention Center.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
The 31-year-old would like a round with McTominay at the Marco Simone course in Rome, where the 2023 Ryder Cup was held.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
X-ray data revealed that the black hole is accreting material at roughly 13 times the Eddington limit, placing it among the fastest-growing black holes known at this mass scale.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips.—
Abigail Van Buren,
Boston Herald,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Lavrenov spoke to curious kids and adults, many who shook his hand in appreciation of his grit.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
These trades come despite gold being a non-yielding asset, but admittedly a highly liquid one that has seen a staggering price appreciation in recent years.—
Gaurav Sharma,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasp. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
