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
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 The commission recommends people in the Asheville area purchase bear-resistant trash containers, or modify existing trash containers with straps, buckles or metal clasps to lock down the lids. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 9 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
  • Your first instinct may be to tighten your grip, but flexibility could serve you better.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 28 Oct. 2026
  • While Xi has consolidated his grip on power, analysts say the plenum will offer him an opportunity to further align what Chinese officials do with what Beijing wants.
    — KANIS LEUNG, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of grip
Verb
  • Lexington is the sort of place where the arrival of your luggage at a baggage claim carousel is accompanied by the bugle strains of the call to the post, where Citation Boulevard hugs the north edges of the city and Man o’War Boulevard the south.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Four years ago, crowds filled the central square of this southern port city, draped in Ukrainian flags and hugging the troops who had ended months of Russian occupation.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of hug
Verb
  • Until now, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has insisted the men were still alive and being held by gangs.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The Boise State defense also produced a turnover-on-downs in the final minutes, batting away several shots at the end zone to hold the Cougars to 10 points.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of hold
Noun
  • Instead of the big play the Bobcats hoped for, the ball slipped out of wide receiver Tucker Cusano’s grasp and spiraled into the air.
    — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The government has shown no awareness or grasp of what has been happening among the youth.
    — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 27 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
  • Allen took only two dribbles — one before midcourt and one after — gathered his feet, and pulled up from the left side of the arc.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Revell said that no arrests had yet been made, nor anyone taken into custody, but that police believed one shooter was involved.
    — Samantha Cookinham, NBC news, 25 Oct. 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 3 Nov. 2026.

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