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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
Conventional versions can contain elastic bands, clasps, clips, foam and multiple synthetic textiles, complicating recycling and other end-of-life options. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026 The Baguette bag is a slim, rectangular, near-impractically sized bag adorned with a double-F logo clasp. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
These feature the American Eagle on one side, clasping an oak branch in its talons. — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 20 July 2026 His hands are in his lap, one wrist clasped almost self-consciously. — Literary Hub, 17 July 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
  • So either Moreno has loosened his grip on the reins, or this was possible all along.
    — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The device, developed by Compliant Technologies, is designed to deliver an electric shock through the wearer's grip.
    — Steve Large, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of grip
Verb
  • Many of those in attendance brought their own stories of mental health crises of their own or loved ones, with individuals in the crowd hugging and sharing with each other after the moment of silence Thursday.
    — Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The park hugs 118 winding miles of the Rio Grande, nearly a quarter of the international boundary patrolled by Customs and Border Protection in the much larger Big Bend Sector.
    — Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of hug
Verb
  • Summer told McCallum the man instructed her to hold onto his arm.
    — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Moro Ojomo are in great shape and constantly holding their own, getting into the backfield and swatting down passes.
    — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of hold
Noun
  • With less than a minute left in the first half, Sam Howell hurled a 39-yard jump ball that fell a bit short of being a contested grab in the air, but Brown fell down with the ball in his grasp with a defensive back draped over him.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Cade Klubnik's confidence on the field has impressed his New York Jets teammates just as much as his big throws and quick grasp of the playbook.
    — CBS New York Team, CBS News, 13 Aug. 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
  • Whether defendant Tyler Robinson acted out of political animus could be key for prosecutors seeking the death penalty — or for his attorneys in taking that punishment off the table.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Their concepts are travel-based, with their album like a travel brochure that takes fans and listeners on a trip.
    — Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 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 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on clasp

Nglish: Translation of clasp for Spanish Speakers

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