1
as in understood
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hugged
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 held
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 knew
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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of grasped
Atheist philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche grasped the radical implications of this view.
—
James O. Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
When Chinese alchemists invented gunpowder in the ninth century, no one grasped the full range of its potential uses.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
Finland grasped this eight years ago.
—Andrew Rasiej, New York Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026
The problem is that the general medical community, beyond nephrologists, hasn’t really grasped the extent of the problem.
—Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026
Godoy only fully grasped the answer before shooting Season 2.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Marcus Smart and Austin Reaves earned a pair of technical fouls in the second quarter after Celtics small forward Jaylen Brown sent an elbow into Smart’s face on his way to the rim as Boston grasped a 36-33 lead.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 23 Feb. 2026
Few investors had heard of the World Wide Web, let alone grasped its commercial potential.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
Multiple responders then grasped the canine by the neck and back to lift it onboard, during which the dog could be heard slightly whimpering.
—Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026
James O. Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
When Chinese alchemists invented gunpowder in the ninth century, no one grasped the full range of its potential uses.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
Finland grasped this eight years ago.
—Andrew Rasiej, New York Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026
The problem is that the general medical community, beyond nephrologists, hasn’t really grasped the extent of the problem.
—Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026
Godoy only fully grasped the answer before shooting Season 2.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Marcus Smart and Austin Reaves earned a pair of technical fouls in the second quarter after Celtics small forward Jaylen Brown sent an elbow into Smart’s face on his way to the rim as Boston grasped a 36-33 lead.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 23 Feb. 2026
Few investors had heard of the World Wide Web, let alone grasped its commercial potential.
—Dave Smith, Fortune, 19 Feb. 2026
Multiple responders then grasped the canine by the neck and back to lift it onboard, during which the dog could be heard slightly whimpering.
—Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasped
Verb
-
But if justice is to be understood as fairness, as per Rawls’s scheme, ignorance is the key concept.—
George G. Szpiro,
Big Think,
9 Apr. 2026
-
At the time, disability wasn't understood as a civil rights issue.—
Brittney Melton,
NPR,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
After naming the crater Carroll, the four astronauts hugged while shedding tears and a moment of silence was observed in NASA Mission Control in Houston.—
Jacopo Prisco,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Pogačar and van der Poel were mobbed by photographers and warmly hugged each other after the finish.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The rapper, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, has been held at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center since he was arrested in September 2024.—
Daniel S. Levine,
People.com,
6 Aug. 2025
-
That means every state budget could be held hostage until the whims of a small fraction of legislators is satisfied.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The state knew the problem was extensive, but wasn’t sure where the leaks were.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
9 Apr. 2026
-
What is particularly devastating about the Polygon’s story is that Soviet state institutions knew about the health impacts of radiation exposure early on.—
Magdalena Stawkowski,
The Conversation,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The oversized coat featured a single button along the collar, which Zendaya wore clasped over her cotton-poplin skirt, creating a voluminous silhouette with an airy effect.—
Staff Author,
InStyle,
4 Apr. 2026
-
As Keyla ran around the stage in a black dress adorned with crosses, Richie and Palmer clasped their hands in excitement.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Investors were suddenly gripped with the fear that AI would annihilate software companies of every kind.—
Geoff Colvin,
Fortune,
12 Apr. 2026
-
On the witness stand, Shandelle thrust her head back, demonstrating how Braddy’s hands gripped her throat.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The company expects a little more of an impact in its Q2, but Cook said it’s fully comprehended in the above Street outlook of 48% to 49%.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
When the Taliban took Kabul in 2021, the world watched as Afghans clung to departing planes, hoping desperation might carry them to safety.—
Sediqa Fahimi,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
-
Purple-pink brittle stars still clung to the corals, their tendril-like arms wrapping around the branches like yarn.—
Jeffrey Marlow,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grasped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasped. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
