grasp 1 of 2

grasp

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to understand
to have a practical understanding of he just doesn't grasp how important it is that he call when he'll be late

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3
4

Synonym Chooser

How is the word grasp different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of grasp are clutch, grab, seize, snatch, and take. While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession.

grasp the handle and pull

When might clutch be a better fit than grasp?

The synonyms clutch and grasp are sometimes interchangeable, but clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding.

clutching her purse

How are the words grab and snatch related as synonyms of grasp?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch.

grabbed roughly by the arm

When is it sensible to use seize instead of grasp?

While in some cases nearly identical to grasp, seize implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible.

seized the suspect

How do snatch and seize relate to one another, in the sense of grasp?

Snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize.

snatched a doughnut and ran

When could take be used to replace grasp?

While the synonyms take and grasp are close in meaning, take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control.

take some salad from the bowl

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 grasp
Noun
This team member needed to be taught more about the program, shown training materials or given non-priority work tasks that would give him the freedom to experiment and play around with the programming to get a better grasp of the application. Janine Schindler, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 The idea is to use the simple, robust components highlighted in the study to build systems that can extend quickly, latch or grasp with precision, and retract reliably. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
His unpolished demeanor and inability to grasp the issues presented a challenge. Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025 When Simone decides to grasp Kiki’s life for herself by starting an affair with Peter, though, Michaela’s beatific facade slips. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasp
Noun
  • Somehow, the Hollywood star was still welcomed into the cockpit by the starstruck flight crew and allowed to briefly take control of the airliner.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Shut out of control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, Democrats are seeking to rebuild their brand with the American electorate following a poor performance during the 2024 presidential election.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Husseini attempted to ply him with patronage, appointing him imam of a new mosque, but the cleric’s burgeoning following augured poorly for Husseini’s grip on power.
    Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • These aftermarket ultra-high performance summer tires are an excellent choice for driving enthusiasts seeking to maximize grip in both dry and wet conditions (the fitment was 235/40R18—the factory stock size for the Civic Si).
    Michael Harley, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • There’s an understanding among Hawaii residents that only students with Hawaiian blood will be admitted.
    Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Fortune, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The coming flyby allows the chance for spacecraft to get up close and observe how interactions with Earth's gravitational field and magnetosphere influences and changes Apophis, boosting our understanding of asteroid physics.
    Andrew Jones, Space.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Your smartphone's voice assistant struggles to understand your accent but works perfectly for others.
    Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
  • While parenting responsibilities are widely understood and sometimes better supported in the workplace, senior care still has a long way to go, Zlotsky said.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • White House chief of staff Susie Wiles held an emotional meeting with staff on Wednesday after the assassination, telling members to go home and hug their families, the Wall Street Journal reported.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • In typical athlete origin story fashion, the first half of the Christy trailer depicts the unpolished, brunette Sweeney as real-life champion Christy Salters Martin slugging it out in practice, training on a beach, and hugging her supportive team.
    Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Republicans hold a strong majority in both chambers of the General Assembly, holding 29 out of 35 seats in the Senate and 81 of 100 seats in the House.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Ellison held second place prior to earnings release Ellison’s rise comes a day after Forbes released its list of the world’s richest people.
    Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • With the big night almost here, here's what to know about the award ceremony and how to watch it.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Your wallet — and your customer service experience — will depend on knowing the difference.
    Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Language contains appreciation, perspective, and possibility.
    Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Since the 2010s, however, his photographs have started to appear with greater frequency and impact in small exhibitions throughout the Pacific Northwest, earning Matsura an ever-widening circle of admiration and appreciation.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasp. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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