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
In my case, the decisive click turned out to be the clasp closing around my wrist. — Adam Erace, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026 Bieber styled the dress with peep-toe heeled sandals, diamond earrings, an olive-green Gucci handbag with a gold clasp, and a cocktail topped with a wedge of lime. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
In a 1987 article for the New York Times, Albuquerque jewelry salesman Manny Goodman recalls seeing Native Americans wearing bandanas clasped with silver conches as early as the 1930s. — Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 31 Aug. 2026 The new mothers clasped their babies close as a pack of teenagers ran through the park. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 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
  • His penchant for the audacious was on display in 2024 when Puigdemont suddenly appeared in Barcelona, gave a public speech and slipped through the police’s grip.
    — Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Plague death exposes Putin's crumbling grip as war and economy spiral downward.
    — , FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of grip
Verb
  • The fact that shoes are getting slimmer and slimmer may feel somewhat new, but the sole-hugging footwear is actually just a continuation of a popular style from the ’90s.
    — Renata Joffre, Glamour, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The hip-hugging silhouettes also provided a prime opportunity to show off oversized belts and bellybutton piercings.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of hug
Verb
  • The Florida National Guard, the State Emergency Operations Center, State Guard and AT&T Disaster Services are holding aircraft and equipment there, the airport said.
    — Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The center held its first rage retreat in May with 16 participants, Lev said, and another is planned for late October.
    — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of hold
Noun
  • Even assistant directors need a basic grasp of AI, as gray screens marked with tracking points replace green screens.
    — Ophélie Surcouf, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
  • But within a second, Madsen spun around with the ball firmly in his grasp and found sophomore AJ Jones completely alone for a simple 7-yard completion and first down.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of grasp
Verb
  • The device features flexible side wings that can fold inward to cradle the head and neck.
    — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026
  • While standard flip-flops are generally relatively flat, these are made with plenty of arch support, along with deep heel cups to cradle your feet for full-day comfort.
    — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026
Definition of cradle
Verb
  • The legislation takes a balanced and unprecedented approach to bundling a bevy of streamlining proposals into a single bill, said Ben Norris, senior vice president of regulatory affairs for the Solar Energy Industries Association.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Forward Eetu Luostarinen left the game midway through the third period after taking a puck to the face and did not return.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of take

Browse Nearby Words

clash (with)
clasp
clasped
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Cite this Entry

“Clasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clasp. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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