Thesaurus

grasp

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of grasp

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 the ability to direct the course of something

for a time it looked like most of Europe would be within Hitler's grasp

Synonyms for grasp

Words Related to grasp

Near Antonyms for grasp

2 the act or manner of holding

during the roller coaster ride, my date clutched my arm with a deathlike grasp

Synonyms for grasp

Words Related to grasp

grab,
seizure

Near Antonyms for grasp

3 the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something

I think I finally have a grasp of Spanish grammar

Synonyms for grasp

Words Related to grasp

Near Antonyms for grasp

Antonyms for grasp

grasp

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of grasp (Entry 2 of 2)

1 to have a practical understanding of

he just doesn't grasp how important it is that he call when he'll be late

Synonyms for grasp

Words Related to grasp

have,
possess

Near Antonyms for grasp

2 to put one's arms around and press tightly

the departing soldier grasped his children a little closer than usual

Synonyms for grasp

Words Related to grasp

3 to reach for and take hold of by embracing with the fingers or arms

the attendant grasped my arm and steered me towards the door

Synonyms for grasp

Words Related to grasp

Phrases Synonymous with grasp

Near Antonyms for grasp

4 to have a clear idea of

the emergency operator finally grasped what he was trying to tell her

Synonyms for grasp

Words Related to grasp

realize

Phrases Synonymous with grasp

pick up on

Near Antonyms for grasp

Antonyms for grasp

miss

Frequently Asked Questions About grasp

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