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
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Recent Examples of grasp
Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
No researcher seems to have a firm grasp on how big the industry is.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 9 Feb. 2026
Reylee Billingsley, AZCentral.com, 7 Feb. 2026
The Hoka boots have a durable and winter-proof mesh upper made mostly of recycled polyester, and a Vibram Megagrip EVA sole engineered to grasp the slickest surfaces.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grasp
Noun
These days, he is widely regarded as having the finest facility with metrical forms of any poet of his generation—a grasp of prosody both perfect and unpredictable, as if the complex metronome of that turbulent coastline ticked on within him.
—Kathryn Schulz, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
No researcher seems to have a firm grasp on how big the industry is.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
When a word feels too abstract, Jacobs shifts the phrasing, lowers the tempo or elongates a syllable until Siena grasps it.
—Reylee Billingsley, AZCentral.com, 7 Feb. 2026
The Hoka boots have a durable and winter-proof mesh upper made mostly of recycled polyester, and a Vibram Megagrip EVA sole engineered to grasp the slickest surfaces.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasp
Noun
-
Engineers tracked stability and control across each phase.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
-
As Farthing was assisting in traffic control, a man approached him from behind and stabbed him in the back, sheriff's office spokesperson Kim Peters said in a news release.—
Matthew Cupelli,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The hand will feel sore or weak, struggling with grip.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
11 Feb. 2026
-
As the rock glided down the ice sheet, Casper and his teammates slowly started to come to grips with the reality of the situation.—
Dane Mizutani,
Twin Cities,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This greatly improved the meetings that both boards have regarding our budget discussions and has lead to a better understanding between the two bodies.—
Mary Ramsey,
Charlotte Observer,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Levine did not have concerns while making the movie but has developed a fuller understanding of the trans experience in the ensuing decades.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The collar will help scientists understand the movement patterns and reproductive behavior of the Sierra Nevada red fox, providing key insights to guide conservation efforts.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Those many Americans who still understand that freedom is the magic elixir that drives growth and prosperity are exiting blue states, leaving them to stew in their left-wing, socialist, low-growth and low-opportunity juices.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
When the winning score was announced Cizeron hugged his coach and covered his face while crying.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The longer horizon-hugging bath gives those warm hues more time to develop and persist across a broader swath of sky.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The visit by Ali Larijani, a former Iranian parliament speaker who now serves as the secretary to the country's Supreme National Security Council, likely focused on what comes next after the initial round of indirect talks held last week in Muscat with the Americans.—
JON GAMBRELL THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The Financial Times, citing Ukrainian and European officials involved in the planning, reported on Wednesday that both a presidential vote, in which Zelenskyy would seek re-election, and a nationwide referendum could be held by May 15.—
Ashley Carnahan,
FOXNews.com,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Bass, who was politically weakened by her performance during the fire and its aftermath, was already facing more than two dozen challengers looking to oust her in the June 2 primary — the vast majority little known to the public and not expected to pose any threat.—
David Zahniser,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
-
One note e-mailed Monday to the KOLD-TV newsroom in Tucson included information that only the abductor would know, anchor Mary Coleman told CNN.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
After the skills challenge Tuesday night, the three IceHogs made sure to sign autographs and offer their appreciation to their fans.—
Kalen Lumpkins,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Perhaps this appreciation stems from my early days in the seminary.—
Chick Pritchard,
Hartford Courant,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasp. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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