clasp 1 of 2

noun

ˈklasp How to pronounce clasp (audio)
Definition of claspnext
as in grip
the act or manner of holding be careful that your clasp on the cat isn't too tight, or she could get hurt

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

clasp

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to hug
to put one's arms around and press tightly clasped his long-lost sister and cried without restraint

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to hold
to reach for and take hold of by embracing with the fingers or arms clasped a crayon and began drawing

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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 clasp
Noun
Complementing the case is an orange rubber strap with a titanium clasp. — Robb Report, 24 Oct. 2026 The exhibit also dives into innovations from the house, from the use of unconventional materials in high-jewelry creations to the Question Mark, a clasp-free necklace introduced in 1879 that gave women more independence in accessorizing. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
Davis stood with his lawyer as the verdict was read, then sat with his hands clasped on the table. — Jon Haworth, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026 One juror was rubbing his eyes as Sullivan talked, and another was clasping and unclasping his hands in his lap. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clasp
  1. grip
  2. hug
  3. hold
  4. grasp
  5. cradle
  6. take
Noun
  • The inversion is revealing of why governments have had a hard time coming to grips with the fertility crash.
    — Jesús Fernández-Villaverde, Foreign Affairs, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Since April, voters have ousted Hungary’s Viktor Orban, ended Aleksandar Vucic’s long grip on Serbia and blocked the Bolsonaro family’s return in Brazil.
    — Thomas Adamson, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of grip
Verb
  • The best boots that fit the trend are made of either soft leather or suede with a slim sole, intentional detailing, and a silhouette that hugs the foot.
    — Abby Hepworth, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2026
  • His baggy jeans, chest-hugging polo and Oakley raver sunglasses lend themselves better to the hipster neighborhood of Silver Lake.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of hug
Verb
  • The compact pouch is designed to hold small essentials against your body, and its soft, breathable, skin-friendly fabric is a thoughtful detail for warmer destinations where extra layers aren’t practical.
    — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Through the partnership, ForgiveCo will acquire and permanently eliminate $1 million in medical debt held by local veterans.
    — Garrett Behanna, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of hold
Noun
  • The movie exudes a startling confidence, at once buoyant and grounded—the kind of assurance that can emerge when a young director’s grasp of the medium, however nascent, is in synch with his feel for his characters and their world.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2026
  • And yet, in all three of those games, the Knights were well on their way to a win only to have victory snatched from their grasp.
    — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of grasp
Verb
  • Mary is lying on the cloth and turning to cradle Jesus, who is lying next to her.
    — Artforum, Artforum, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The trade-off for that symmetry is that a low-profile, mirror-image body won't cradle the palm the way a contoured mouse does.
    — Sascha Brodsky, PC Magazine, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of cradle
Verb
  • The United States has taken another significant step towards strengthening its military installations.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The Monarchs were clinging to a 21-20 lead in the second set when Matavao took control, hammering spikes for her team’s last four points.
    — Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of take

Browse Nearby Words

clash (with)
clasp
clasped
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clasp. Accessed 11 Nov. 2026.

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