1
as in control
the ability to direct the course of something
The team got out to a big lead and rightly assumed that victory was within their 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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of grasp
Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 26 Dec. 2025
With a shot at the football program's first-ever SEC title game in its grasp, the Aggies stumbled down the stretch, losing their last two games and scoring just three points against Miami in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
—Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 25 Dec. 2025
Max Tani, semafor.com, 23 Dec. 2025
Minaj appeared to immediately grasp her flub, covered her face and went silent for several awkward seconds.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grasp
Noun
Dion says as the dog wearing antlers like the Grinch’s pooch, Max, wriggles out of her grasp.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 26 Dec. 2025
With a shot at the football program's first-ever SEC title game in its grasp, the Aggies stumbled down the stretch, losing their last two games and scoring just three points against Miami in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
—Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 25 Dec. 2025
Verb
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the last 24 hours is that Weiss appears not to have totally grasped the firestorm her decision would provoke.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 23 Dec. 2025
Minaj appeared to immediately grasp her flub, covered her face and went silent for several awkward seconds.
—David K. Li, NBC news, 22 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasp
Noun
-
As the Palisades Fire burned out of control under hurricane-force winds, some residents chose to stay and fight, like Cort Wagner.—
Jeff Nguyen,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Later attention turned to flood control after a hurricane in the 1920s caused Lake Okeechobee to overflow, killing thousands.—
Amy Green,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But in the second season of the series, which wrapped last Sunday, a new sense of uncertainty, reflection, and maturity grips the central characters, making for even better television.—
Michael M. Rosen,
The Washington Examiner,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Tips For Using Tension Rods Before installing, make sure to clean the surfaces your rods will be in contact with to remove any oils, dust, and dirt that can affect the rod’s grip.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Spirit, energy and enthusiasm When there were loud external calls for upgrades at safety in August, head coach Dave Canales firmly backed Scott because of his leadership and understanding of the defense.—
Mike Kaye
January 8,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Tensor said the system emphasizes contextual understanding rather than simple object detection, allowing the AI to adapt to complex and unpredictable real-world driving conditions.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Adoption accelerates naturally when professionals understand that AI is amplifying their capabilities, rather than replacing them.—
Feon Ang,
Fortune,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Members of the new Agentic Futures Initiative believe lawmakers and officials need to better understand the technology to ensure new products remain interoperable across platforms, private — and secure.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Brown, 21, made a statement in a figure-hugging black lace gown with feather details by Rodarte.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Sweeney’s look played with proportions, with the leg-hugging footwear offsetting her oversized ensemble.—
Kelsey Stewart,
Footwear News,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Miami’s first Black Art Basel exhibit was held at the Lyric Theater.—
Dorothy Jenkins Fields,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
-
He was tagged and pictured holding a skull on the group page, ABC 6 reported.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The employees are all members of a union local known as University Professional Technical Employees-Communications Workers of America 9119.—
Cathie Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
9 Nov. 2025
-
The account was not guarded by an extra layer of security known as multi-factor authentication.—
Charlotte Reck,
CNN Money,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
In a statement, Young expressed appreciation for the restaurant’s place in the city.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
9 Jan. 2026
-
As a result, your return depends entirely on price appreciation.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasp. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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