as in grips
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
1
as in hugs
to put one's arms around and press tightly
clasped his long-lost sister and cried without restraint
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in grasps
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 clasps
Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 10 Jan. 2026
This cozy cable knit is held together with two utilitarian clasps—adorable, yet edgy.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 4 Dec. 2025
Ancient book clasps — used to keep manuscript tomes shut — were uncovered at the site, along with styli, the medieval equivalents of pens and pencils.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Waterproof cases might have durable clips or clasps.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025
Zippers and clasps are built to stand up to daily use—mine has even encountered a few rainstorms—without losing shine or functionality.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2025
All of them have been broken into by raiders over the centuries, their walls smashed or lids prised off despite once being locked shut with metal clasps.
—Barry Neild, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025
Its small gold details include a metal pinmount logo, clasps, and a magnetic snap closure inside to keep your items secure.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2025
That tension surfaced in slouchy tailoring, glossy patent reprised from 1998, and a focus on Gancini clasps.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
New Atlas, 13 Dec. 2025
Noun
Montalvo also tests clasps and hinges.
—Wendy Rose Gould, Martha Stewart, 10 Jan. 2026
This cozy cable knit is held together with two utilitarian clasps—adorable, yet edgy.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 4 Dec. 2025
Ancient book clasps — used to keep manuscript tomes shut — were uncovered at the site, along with styli, the medieval equivalents of pens and pencils.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025
Waterproof cases might have durable clips or clasps.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 17 Oct. 2025
Zippers and clasps are built to stand up to daily use—mine has even encountered a few rainstorms—without losing shine or functionality.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Oct. 2025
All of them have been broken into by raiders over the centuries, their walls smashed or lids prised off despite once being locked shut with metal clasps.
—Barry Neild, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2025
Its small gold details include a metal pinmount logo, clasps, and a magnetic snap closure inside to keep your items secure.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 30 Aug. 2025
That tension surfaced in slouchy tailoring, glossy patent reprised from 1998, and a focus on Gancini clasps.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Verb
Keeping that hardshell closed is a pair of wide, beefy aluminum latches with a lower swing arm that clasps to a closure bar via a pair of hooks.
—New Atlas, 13 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clasps
Noun
-
Bitter cold grips much of the nation Meanwhile, bitter cold followed in the storm’s wake.—
Charlotte Kramon,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
-
The slim, precision wand grips even the straightest lashes, creating a wide-awake, lash-lift effect in just one coat.—
Olivia Cefalu,
InStyle,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
They’re made with the brand’s signature four-way stretch fabric that hugs your body with a comfortable yet snug fit.—
Sian Babish,
PEOPLE,
29 Jan. 2026
-
If the system hugs the coast, a nor'easter will bring snow to coastal areas of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.—
Kenton Gewecke,
ABC News,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The nearly colorless imagery really grasps the soul of the moment and the chill of our wintry days.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Until the governor’s office grasps the severity of the problem, and until the health insurers are tasked with stopping the fraud, Girand isn’t optimistic there’ll be much change.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Women's skiing at the Olympics will be held in Cortina d'Ampezzo, where Vonn holds the record of 12 World Cup wins.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Women’s skiing at the Olympics will be held in Cortina d’Ampezzo, where Vonn holds the record of 12 World Cup wins.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Journalism, my beloved profession, still clings to the virtues of distance and detachment.—
Jerry Brewer,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
-
In the absence of guidance or attention, Iris clings to the long-absent Aris like a source of belonging.—
Carlos Aguilar,
Variety,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
When big feelings are involved, getting organized takes more than just putting your things in bins or drawers.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
31 Jan. 2026
-
There are a few characters—the cowboy who leads horseback rides through the canyon (straight from central casting, but totally legit), or the guide who takes you hiking into the desert who knows how to survive on cactus and insects and also feels the presence of Navajo ghosts.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clasps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clasps. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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