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
As for the 25-year-old herself, this summer the Recording Academy invited her to join its membership — a sign the best new artist nom is within grasp? Lori Majewski, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025 Former 49ers mainstay Arik Armstead poked the ball from Purdy’s grasp, Lloyd decked Purdy from behind, and Foyesade Oluokun recovered the loose ball. Cam Inman, Mercury News, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
The flexible openings give little hands the opportunity to grasp, shake, and stack. Pamela Brill, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025 Serve Your Favorite Wine First At Quintessa, Mitchell drove us around the vineyard to grasp the time, effort, and care put into the destination. Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasp
Noun
  • Secure, redundant communication systems ensure instant presidential command, while E-6B airborne launch control aircraft can assume control if ground communication is lost, guaranteeing uninterrupted deterrence capability.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The percentage indicates how much of the fire perimeter has been surrounded by a control line.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In an increasingly crowded sports month, the lighthearted newcomer will help baseball keep its grip on the public consciousness.
    Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 2 Oct. 2025
  • New data showed manufacturing contracted this month, but less than expected, a hopeful indication that authorities may be coming to grips with industrial overcapacity.
    Semafor Events, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Obviously, Quillan isn’t staying, but my understanding from talking to sources is Treliving continues to consider his options in terms of bringing in another forward.
    James Mirtle, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The memo, first reported by Axios, says that Congress must specifically appropriate funds for back pay, contradicting previous understandings of the law.
    Nik Popli, Time, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Laughter from the crowd breaks the tension of what could have been understood as metaphor for Netanyahu’s actions.
    Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Plenty of Nashvillians can probably understand the Maxwell House coffee brand’s recent marketing move.
    Austin Hornbostel, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Diddy hugged all of his lawyers before giving a lengthy handshake to his lead attorney, Marc Agnifilo.
    Lauryn Overhultz , Tracy Wright , Maria Paronich , Kirill Clark, FOXNews.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The women appeared to be over the moon about the sentimental catch-up, with one photo showing Jackson and Paris Jackson hugging each other tightly.
    Edward Segarra, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Advertisement An investigation led by the Guardian found in September that out of the 6,000 Palestinians from Gaza held by Israel since the Hamas terror attack two years ago, only one quarter were held on suspicion of militant links.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Second, ensure the whole executive team fully buys into the idea and holds others accountable for implementation.
    Adam Gale, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The next manager will be their sixth in nine seasons — enough for any sensible person to know that the problem extends far beyond that chair.
    Sam Blum, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Horror fans often travel to destinations featured in scary movies or known for spooky legacies.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • As parents know, this can translate to a boundless appreciation of toys.
    Emily Glover, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
  • And, while their approaches are very different, one thing that Nuno and Postecoglou have in common is an appreciation of a player with versatile qualities.
    Paul Taylor, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasp. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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