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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
In a new touch, Glashütte Original has unveiled a quick-change mechanism for the folding clasp, meaning that switching straps based on your mood or style is easier than before. — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2026 Additional features such as clasps and compartments can add to the weight. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026
Verb
The new mothers clasped their babies close as a pack of teenagers ran through the park. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026 In 1975, as Cold War tensions thawed, an American commander and his Soviet counterpart clasped hands in space after their spacecraft docked. — Fred Weir, Christian Science Monitor, 31 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
  • The Ostand phone case features a secure grip design that improves control during one-handed use, movement, outdoor runs, and sweaty-hand scenarios.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Sep. 2026
  • From Jonathan Allen to Bryan Cook to Boye Mafe to Cashius Howell to Lawrence, everybody had a hand in it — usually one ripping at Baker Mayfield’s grip on the football.
    — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of grip
Verb
  • In flight tests, the tiny drone navigated pitch-black enclosures, mapped unknown room layouts, hugged surface contours, and located exits without a single visual cue.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
  • While attending the grand opening of the Skims flagship store in London, Kardashian turned heads in a figure-hugging corset dress, complete with a waist-high leg slit.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of hug
Verb
  • Jenkins brought the crowd to its feet, scrambling for a 31-yard touchdown on a third-and-7, but a holding penalty negated it.
    — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
  • After their arrest, Soliman and Birhane were transferred from the hotel to the La Luna police station where they are now being held.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of hold
Noun
  • United’s head coach had a face like thunder post-match, and understandably so after his team allowed two points to slip through their grasp in the dying seconds.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • In the same way that the ball bounced off Darren Morris’ fingers and disappeared into the crowded Oregon bench, another chance to defeat a Power Four opponent slipped agonizingly through Boise State’s grasp on Saturday afternoon.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 6 Sep. 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
  • Their aim was to get bills out the door sooner and for the county to pay back districts that took a financial hit because of prior billing delays.
    — A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • After failing to convert on a first down, the Knights settled for a 29-yard field goal by Will Stone to take a 10-0 lead.
    — Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Sep. 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 21 Sep. 2026.

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