1
as in hands
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 grips
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 understandings
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 understands
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 clasps
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 holds
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in knows
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 grasps
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2026
The Hurricanes needed that to happen after the game nearly slipped out of their grasps.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025
Rigid grippers used in existing aerial manipulators require precise positioning to achieve successful grasps and transmit large contact forces that may destabilize the drone.
—IEEE Spectrum, 26 Mar. 2021
Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
But Sanders grasps the politics of an NFL locker room and the mindset of NFL veterans better than anybody.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2026
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 nearly colorless imagery really grasps the soul of the moment and the chill of our wintry days.
—Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
Until the governor’s office grasps the severity of the problem, and until the health insurers are tasked with stopping the fraud, Girand isn’t optimistic there’ll be much change.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 12 Jan. 2026
When the robot successfully grasps a door handle in simulation, that state is saved.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Dec. 2025
The photo shows Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce on one knee as Swift grasps his face.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
Valeria finally grasps the extent of Manu’s deception after finding Bea dead in her hotel room.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Noun
Through universal intelligent manipulation, the robot autonomously plans grasps, adjusts force in real time, and navigates obstacles using seamless hand–eye coordination.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2026
The Hurricanes needed that to happen after the game nearly slipped out of their grasps.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025
Rigid grippers used in existing aerial manipulators require precise positioning to achieve successful grasps and transmit large contact forces that may destabilize the drone.
—IEEE Spectrum, 26 Mar. 2021
Verb
Rosi’s artistry grasps the limitations of being a long-term guest, visually juxtaposing the ancient and elemental, busts and people.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
But Sanders grasps the politics of an NFL locker room and the mindset of NFL veterans better than anybody.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2026
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 nearly colorless imagery really grasps the soul of the moment and the chill of our wintry days.
—Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
Until the governor’s office grasps the severity of the problem, and until the health insurers are tasked with stopping the fraud, Girand isn’t optimistic there’ll be much change.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 12 Jan. 2026
When the robot successfully grasps a door handle in simulation, that state is saved.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Dec. 2025
The photo shows Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce on one knee as Swift grasps his face.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025
Valeria finally grasps the extent of Manu’s deception after finding Bea dead in her hotel room.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasps
Noun
-
On Saturday, the troubled pop star uploaded a video dancing in a sheer black bodysuit while covering her breasts with her hands.—
Kathleen Perricone,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Apr. 2026
-
As Horner said in court with his head in his hands, audio played from a phone call with his mother.—
Matthew Ablon,
CBS News,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The grips take a little getting used to, though.—
Joe Salas
April 07,
New Atlas,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Whereas the Lexus yoke is shaped like a butterfly and Tesla’s yoke was half a rectangle, Mercedes has removed both the upper and lower portions of a traditional round steering wheel and closed off both sides of the grips.—
Joel Feder,
The Drive,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
At the same time, Muslim groups like Council on American-Islamic Relations and national interfaith coalitions such as Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign have worked with Christians to challenge these portrayals and promote more nuanced understandings of Islam.—
Anna Piela,
The Conversation,
13 Apr. 2026
-
Key terms of the deal remain secret, and parties appeared to have different understandings.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Four decades after Airheads’ release in 1986, Steffen understands why generations of people have nostalgia for the colorful candy.—
Erin Clements,
PEOPLE,
15 Apr. 2026
-
But the Forest head coach understands the bigger picture.—
Paul Taylor,
New York Times,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Lindo laughs, clasps his hands together and raises them.—
Glenn Whipp,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
Keeping that hardshell closed is a pair of wide, beefy aluminum latches with a lower swing arm that clasps to a closure bar via a pair of hooks.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
13 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Featuring the show’s slogan over a sunny pop of color, this sturdy ceramic mug holds a generous 15 ounces of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa, and is your Immunity Idol against a dull routine.—
Brittany Anas,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
-
According to Karen Wheeler-Hall, Rothe’s owner and CEO, the firm holds a portion of an $814 million contract to provide NASA with videography, photography and other multimedia services.—
Brandon Lingle,
Austin American Statesman,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Mansaray knows the challenges of financial dependence firsthand.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Jalen Brunson knows any variation of offensive plays featuring both him and All-Star teammate Karl-Anthony Towns can be difficult, nearly impossible for opposing defenses to guard.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Parents can protect their entire family with benefits like alert sharing, parental controls and cyberbullying alerts for video games.—
Jasmin Suknanan,
CNBC,
10 Apr. 2026
-
With 13 customizable controls, 11-zone Chroma under-glow, and Gen-3 Optical Switches that are rated for 90 million clicks, this mouse will survive your climb to the top of the leaderboard.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
10 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grasps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasps. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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