GRASPER Synonyms: 177 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'grasp' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of grasp are clutch , grab , seize , snatch , and take . While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession. // grasp the handle and pull

Q: When might 'clutch' be a better fit than 'grasp'?

The synonyms clutch and grasp are sometimes interchangeable, but clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding. // clutching her purse

Q: How are the words 'grab' and 'snatch' related as synonyms of 'grasp'?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch . // grabbed roughly by the arm

Q: When is it sensible to use 'seize' instead of 'grasp'?

While in some cases nearly identical to grasp , seize implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible. // seized the suspect

Q: How do 'snatch' and 'seize' relate to one another, in the sense of 'grasp'?

Snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize . // snatched a doughnut and ran

Q: When could 'take' be used to replace 'grasp'?

While the synonyms take and grasp are close in meaning, take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control. // take some salad from the bowl

grasp 1 of 2

noun

Definition of grasp next

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.

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Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in grip

the act or manner of holding during the roller coaster ride, my date clutched my arm with a deathlike grasp

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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

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grasp

2 of 2

verb

ˈgrasp

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to hug

to put one's arms around and press tightly the departing soldier grasped his children a little closer than usual

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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

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as in to know

to have a clear idea of the emergency operator finally grasped what he was trying to tell her

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word grasp different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of grasp are clutch, grab, seize, snatch, and take. While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession.

grasp the handle and pull

When might clutch be a better fit than grasp?

The synonyms clutch and grasp are sometimes interchangeable, but clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding.

clutching her purse

How are the words grab and snatch related as synonyms of grasp?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch.

grabbed roughly by the arm

When is it sensible to use seize instead of grasp?

While in some cases nearly identical to grasp, seize implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible.

seized the suspect

How do snatch and seize relate to one another, in the sense of grasp?

Snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize.

snatched a doughnut and ran

When could take be used to replace grasp?

While the synonyms take and grasp are close in meaning, take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control.

take some salad from the bowl

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

Noun

Thank God for Catherine’s faithful servant Nelly (Hong Chau), who, even with a small role in the film’s plot, is the only actor here with a meaningful grasp of emotional subtlety. —

Anna Gaca, Pitchfork, 20 Feb. 2026 She got caught in a single leg and was hopping around to try to escape the grasp. —

Cody Thorn, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Feb. 2026

Verb

That's what Gen Zers who didn't live through the 2000s fail to grasp, thought us millennial fans. —

Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 17 Feb. 2026 Hunter-Torricke was frustrated by governments, which seemed to have failed to grasp the severity of the occasion. —

Billy Perrigo, Time, 17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for grasp

Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasp

Noun

The project also required coordinated operation between the large heat pump and the mechanical vapor recompression unit across all operating phases, with system integration and process control designed to ensure stable and efficient performance under varying production conditions.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 Feb. 2026
According to analysts, China is walking a fine line between encouraging domestic development of AI models and maintaining strict controls on how those models are used.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 20 Feb. 2026