1
as in hugging
to put one's arms around and press tightly
clasped his long-lost sister and cried without restraint
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in holding
to reach for and take hold of by embracing with the fingers or arms
clasped a crayon and began drawing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clasping
Aabria, by contrast, leans on personality and connection, clasping hands with the jurors and complimenting them before calmly lying about the rules of the bra contest and her victory.
—
Tasha Robinson,
Vulture,
30 June 2026
The cap’s crown is decorated with three clasping hands symbolizing unity and brotherhood.
—
Nancy Olson,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
Zendaya was visibly shocked at first, gasping and clasping her hands over her face, but got into the performance, laughing and dancing along as Holland came over to dance on her.
—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
21 June 2026
In one segment, when Kimmel and McNearney pick up a hitchhiking Olivia Rodrigo while taking the family to school, Jane shows off her personality, clasping her hands over her mouth in disbelief when Rodrigo enters the car, only to sing-along with the pop star on her way to school.
—
ABC News,
12 May 2026
McDaniels held onto Murray for dear life — often literally clasping his jersey — as the Nuggets tried to run him off every conceivable screen.
—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
1 May 2026
The june bug falls to the bottom of the bag but manages to recover from a new round of kicking by clasping to a leaf.
—
María Ospina,
The Dial,
31 Mar. 2026
Others showed baby Spero clasping his tiny hand around Graham's finger and slumbering with a smile on his face.
—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Mar. 2026
Back at the gathering, there were Martha’s groans and Gretchen’s anger, and there was Mike, clasping his chest—a heart attack?
—
Yiyun Li,
New Yorker,
1 Mar. 2026
Tasha Robinson,
Vulture,
30 June 2026
The cap’s crown is decorated with three clasping hands symbolizing unity and brotherhood.
—
Nancy Olson,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
Zendaya was visibly shocked at first, gasping and clasping her hands over her face, but got into the performance, laughing and dancing along as Holland came over to dance on her.
—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
21 June 2026
In one segment, when Kimmel and McNearney pick up a hitchhiking Olivia Rodrigo while taking the family to school, Jane shows off her personality, clasping her hands over her mouth in disbelief when Rodrigo enters the car, only to sing-along with the pop star on her way to school.
—
ABC News,
12 May 2026
McDaniels held onto Murray for dear life — often literally clasping his jersey — as the Nuggets tried to run him off every conceivable screen.
—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
1 May 2026
The june bug falls to the bottom of the bag but manages to recover from a new round of kicking by clasping to a leaf.
—
María Ospina,
The Dial,
31 Mar. 2026
Others showed baby Spero clasping his tiny hand around Graham's finger and slumbering with a smile on his face.
—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Mar. 2026
Back at the gathering, there were Martha’s groans and Gretchen’s anger, and there was Mike, clasping his chest—a heart attack?
—
Yiyun Li,
New Yorker,
1 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clasping
Verb
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People remained on the streets for hours, some sitting on the ground hugging pets as dust gathered around them.
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Up in the stands, the Weahs lost their minds, cheering and hugging everyone in sight, the famous George Weah included.
Verb
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The surprise delivery of the banner came in response to the national team’s gratitude after holding several practices at KU’s Rock Chalk Park during its June 8-30 stay.
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Burial postponed due to war Burials are meant to be conducted within a day of death in Islam, but because of the risks of holding a big funeral during the war it was postponed until after last month's interim truce deal was agreed.
Verb
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But now, entry-level professionals are clinging to their childhood bedrooms and pillaging their family fridges as more are extending their stay than ever before.
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The debtor had jumped onto the running board of Pitman’s moving rig and was clinging to the driver’s door.
Verb
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There’s likely to be grasping, resisting, skillful and futile efforts to swim and worry about what’s up ahead.
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Pick it up with both hands, gently grasping the shell just behind the front legs.
Verb
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The current leadership uncertainty gripping the ruling Labour Party is arguably just the latest iteration of the turmoil that Brexit inserted into the heart of British politics.
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The velvet coating does a better job of gripping slippery fabrics and delicate garments than plastic or metal alternatives.
Verb
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Kotsay said Monday that Morris would be used out of the bullpen this time, taking Suarez’s spot.
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The dangerous heat is taking a toll across the Chicago area, especially for families without air conditioning.
Cite this Entry
“Clasping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clasping. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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