1
as in control
the ability to direct the course of something
for a time it looked like most of Europe would be within Hitler's grasp
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in grip
the act or manner of holding
during the roller coaster ride, my date clutched my arm with a deathlike grasp
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in understanding
the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something
I think I finally have a grasp of Spanish grammar
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in to hug
to put one's arms around and press tightly
the departing soldier grasped his children a little closer than usual
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to hold
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to know
to have a clear idea of
the emergency operator finally grasped what he was trying to tell her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of grasp
Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC news, 17 May 2025
The Knicks literally took this series from them, starting when Mikal Bridges ripped the ball out of Brown’s grasp to end Game 1 and stuffed Tatum to punctuate Game 2.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 15 May 2025
Kale Williams, Axios, 16 May 2025
Right Now By Jenna Ryu Stand with your feet hip-width apart and grasp the kettlebell by the top of the handle with both hands, holding your arms straight out in front of you.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for grasp
Noun
Republican lawmakers have introduced legislation over the last week that could give the federal government a tighter grasp on some tech platforms, while easing up government scrutiny on artificial intelligence.
—Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC news, 17 May 2025
The Knicks literally took this series from them, starting when Mikal Bridges ripped the ball out of Brown’s grasp to end Game 1 and stuffed Tatum to punctuate Game 2.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 15 May 2025
Verb
Looking down into the crater, with steam still rising from the bottom, my mind struggled to grasp that not that long ago, there had been a whole mountain where now there was just wind and clouds.
—Kale Williams, Axios, 16 May 2025
Right Now By Jenna Ryu Stand with your feet hip-width apart and grasp the kettlebell by the top of the handle with both hands, holding your arms straight out in front of you.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 16 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for grasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasp
Noun
-
The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
6 June 2025
-
Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 June 2025
-
Here other drivers complained about a lack of grip and sliding in the colder temperatures.—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
Brands need to develop a deeper understanding of the media consumption habits and cultural nuances of diverse audiences to connect authentically and build lasting relationships.—
Julie Kratz,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
-
But everyone needs appropriate stimulation and understanding throughout their lives, and highly able learners can sadly have their unique talents dimmed by the pressure to fit into environments that simply haven’t been properly designed for them.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
31 May 2025
Verb
-
Both Wong and Barratt understand the assignments here.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
30 May 2025
-
This includes understanding existing skills, power structures, decision-making processes, and how change has been received historically.—
Andrew Mawson,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
They obviously didn't get hugged enough as children –either of them.—
Steve Inskeep,
NPR,
6 June 2025
-
Hand 103, Bethel, 102 ½. There was bedlam, Hand kids screaming and jumping and yelling and hugging each other.—
Lori Riley,
Hartford Courant,
4 June 2025
Verb
-
Ezra Levin, the head of Indivisible, a grassroots movement associated with the movement, told the Jim Acosta Show that an upcoming coordinated protest on June 14, President Donald Trump's birthday and Flag Day, would take place in areas away from where Trump is holding a parade.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 May 2025
-
The Forty Mile Tattoo Convention will be held Friday, July 25, to Sunday, July 27, at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sacramento, 3317 Forty Mile Road in Wheatland.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado,
Sacbee.com,
28 May 2025
Verb
-
When shopping for pure silk, be sure look for bedding labels that note 100% mulberry silk, also known as natural silk.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
31 May 2025
-
The seventh of eight PGA Tour Signature Events is being held this week at Muirfield Village Golf Club, also known as Jack's Place.—
Kendall Capps,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 May 2025
Noun
-
Phoebe Merrick says living in New Zealand has given her a greater appreciation of work-life balance.—
Jennifer Liu
Zachary Green,
CNBC,
5 June 2025
-
Environmental benefits also remain a key motivator, along with a growing appreciation for the smooth, quiet driving experience and the high-tech features found in many modern EVs.—
Melanie Marshall,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasp. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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