Synonyms of clasp

clasp 1 of 2

noun

ˈklasp 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• grip
• grasp
• hold
• clench
• handgrip
• handhold
• purchase
• grapple
• anchorage
• leverage
• grab
• hug
• seizure
• foothold
• embrace
• footing
• toehold
• clinch

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• release
• relinquishment

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

• hug
• cradle
• cling
• grasp
• grab
• embrace
• enfold
• wrap
• hold
• enclasp
• clamp
• bear-hug
• bosom
• grip
• crush
• strain
• fold
• lock
• pat
• encircle
• envelop
• snuggle
• twine
• entwine
• stroke
• embosom
• fondle
• cuddle
• pet
• nestle
• nuzzle
• enwind

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hold
• grasp
• grip
• take
• clutch
• lay hold of
• clench
• hang on to
• hold on (to)
• catch
• snatch
• cling (to)
• seize
• nab

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• release
• drop
• discharge
• liberate
• free
• hand
• give
• pass
• transfer
• relinquish
• transmit
• turn over
• deliver
• hand over
• entrust
• unhand

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of clasp

Noun

His hands clasp under the chin—not folded neatly, not resting with any kind of coached ease, but pulled up and locked together, knuckle against knuckle, like two claws somewhere between prayer and just not knowing what else to do with them. —Christopher Anderson, Vanity Fair, 27 Feb. 2026

The waterproof nylon exterior includes slash-resistant lining and straps, locking clasps to secure valuables, and RFID-blocking technology to help ward off pickpockets. —Kayla Kitts, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2026

Verb

Sitting in a back room at ExtraMile Arena last weekend, Miller clasped hands with old teammate Steve Barrett, who helped pull him to his feet after an hourlong interview with the Statesman. —Idaho Statesman, 28 Feb. 2026

Altman and Amodei notably declined to clasp hands during a group photo shoot at India’s AI summit last week. —Julia Shapero, The Hill, 27 Feb. 2026