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
Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
In the discussion today, Kennedy's members seemed to have little grasp of the issue at hand and the clinical significance of febrile seizures generally.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2025
As a pro, his best play came last season as the Ducks grasped strings at the fringes of a playoff race.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grasp
Noun
Baker’s synaesthesiac grasp of the tawny’s song, in which its voice can ruffle the fur of night and in which silence is luminous, may be reflected in the neural structure of the owl’s brain.
—Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025
In the discussion today, Kennedy's members seemed to have little grasp of the issue at hand and the clinical significance of febrile seizures generally.
—Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
When conservative activists first tried to make noise about changing the culture of television, executives quickly grasped their agenda and its dangers.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2025
As a pro, his best play came last season as the Ducks grasped strings at the fringes of a playoff race.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 27 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasp
Noun
-
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette maintains full editorial control over this article and all other coverage.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Going forward, the chain may need to hire a police detail to traffic control, the chief said.—
Patricia Gallagher Newberry,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
2 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Consciousness, human life, utterly in the grip of its own dreamlife, all our thinking and voicing caught in a web of surreal distortion, generated by our irrational yearning and apprehensions, our appetite for myth, our solipsism.—
Jane Ciabattari
September 25,
Literary Hub,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Its deep pockets ensure a secure hold on even thick mattresses, and the 360-degree elastic band offers extra grip — making light work of taking the cover on and off.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Owners should practice patience and understanding, as well as learning to recognize any signs of fear or anxiety in their new pet.—
Rachael O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Another red flag could be an advisor who pushes products without a firm understanding of your goals, risk tolerance and timeline.—
Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The first two abbreviations are easy enough to understand.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Wilson understood the concerns of both local officials and residents and thanked them for meeting with his team to discuss the idea.—
Noe Padilla,
IndyStar,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In one photo, Bowen can be seen hugging her son, and in another, Oliver makes a heart out of his hands with his dad, Scott Phillips.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
26 Sep. 2025
-
They’re made of recycled polyester and spandex, and feature a body-hugging waistband for all-day comfort.—
Destinee Scott,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Republicans balked, accusing Democrats of holding the government hostage by standing in the way of continued federal funding unless their health-care demands are met.—
Kevin Breuninger,Sam Meredith,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
-
While Avatar 2 will have 90% of the Imax, One Battle After Another will hold onto its Imax 70MM auditoriums.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The Head and the Heart is an American indie folk band formed in Seattle who are known for their harmonious vocal blends and heartfelt lyrics.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
28 Sep. 2025
-
According to Hays, who is representing Richard and Holly, no such conspiracy existed, and whether or not Richard and Holly knew whether the money went to boys’ ranches is irrelevant, since Baker’s case was focused on violating estray laws, not any financial motivation.—
Mitch Moxley,
Rolling Stone,
27 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Taylor said, emphasizing her appreciation for Pierre.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
25 Sep. 2025
-
While tipping is optional, many guests budget for it as a way to show appreciation for standout service.—
Elliott Harrell,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasp. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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