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
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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of grasp
Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 20 Apr. 2025
Our local birds have not only taken a firm grasp on reestablishing their once-abundant population.
—Thomas Weddle, Outdoor Life, 17 Apr. 2025
Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2025
Hine, then in his early 30s, was part of a growing Progressive movement that sought large-scale social and political reform following the collapse of post-Civil War Reconstruction and the explosion of the grasping Gilded Age.
—Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for grasp
Noun
Kaplan lived with a firm grasp of reality in his work.
—Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 20 Apr. 2025
Our local birds have not only taken a firm grasp on reestablishing their once-abundant population.
—Thomas Weddle, Outdoor Life, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
To remove it, grasp it at the crown—where the lanky stems originate—and pull straight up.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 May 2025
Hine, then in his early 30s, was part of a growing Progressive movement that sought large-scale social and political reform following the collapse of post-Civil War Reconstruction and the explosion of the grasping Gilded Age.
—Christopher Knight, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for grasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasp
Noun
-
By pinpointing high-privilege users and monitoring data-sharing behaviors, Reco assists CISOs in implementing stricter access controls.—
Maria Williams,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
-
This underscores that communication in abusive relationships can escalate the situation, particularly when the core issue is power and control, not miscommunication.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
Noun
-
Jury selection is underway, and as the trial continues to ramp up, its grip on our culture will likely only grow stronger.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
-
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.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 May 2025
Noun
-
Here's a better understanding of what Pope Leo XIV wore on Thursday.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
9 May 2025
-
To that end, a better understanding of where the American consumer is headed may lie in the automotive aftermarket.—
Faisal Kutty,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
Verb
-
To understand what’s at stake amid the NNSA’s workforce woes, USA TODAY interviewed current and former agency officials and reviewed decades of watchdog reports, safety records and other official documents.—
Davis Winkie,
USA Today,
19 May 2025
-
The realtor also pulled permits to help determine a timeline of events to understand when some of the damage occurred.—
Meredith Wilshere,
People.com,
19 May 2025
Verb
-
On one hand, the Pacers essentially had four-on-four opportunities with Haliburton and his defender all but hugging 30+-feet from the rim.—
Tony East,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
-
Ozturk, who appeared remotely from Louisiana and testified before the court, was seen hugging her lawyer after Sessions delivered his decision from the bench.—
Melissa Quinn,
CBS News,
10 May 2025
Verb
-
The result is partial solutions that rarely hold under pressure.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
-
Particularly in less densely populated parts of America, plenty of government officials and citizens still hold a grudge over the way businesses and schools were temporarily shut down.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
17 May 2025
Verb
-
On May 9, a swarm of what are believed to be Africanized honey bees, also known as killer bees, attacked and killed three horses in Comanche, Texas, just about 50 miles southeast of Eastland.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
-
Barnett is best known for his participation in the first season of Love Island USA, which premiered in 2019.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
20 May 2025
Noun
-
Serving as missionaries in the South American country gave them both a special appreciation for their faith, according to Turley.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
12 May 2025
-
These strategic investments can lead to higher rental rates and property appreciation, directly benefiting the investor's bottom line. • Risk Management: Identifying, assessing and mitigating risks associated with the property and market fluctuations is a critical function.—
Jesse Sasomsup,
Forbes.com,
12 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasp. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share