1
as in suitcase
a bag carried by hand and designed to hold a traveler's clothing and personal articles
she placed her grip in the train's overhead rack and seated herself comfortably
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in grasp
the act or manner of holding
get a better grip on the lid and try to open the jar again
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in understanding
the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something
he has a good grip on basic Spanish grammar and spelling
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in control
the right or means to command or control others
a tyrant that keeps the masses tightly in his grip
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to clutch
to have or keep in one's hands
gripped the handlebars tightly and raced down the hill
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to fascinate
to hold the attention of as if by a spell
that true crime story gripped me as much as any whodunit
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to interest
to hold the attention of
that movie will grip any true sports car fan
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to grasp
to reach for and take hold of by embracing with the fingers or arms
the baby gripped my fingers and wouldn't let go
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 grip
Todd Brewster, New York Daily News, 3 Mar. 2026
Presumably, it was intended to strengthen grip, particularly when hanging, but the muscle’s absence has no impact on grip strength in modern humans.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
According to a psychiatric evaluation conducted by a doctor in the months following Duprey’s arrest, the incident was the final scene of an escalating psychotic episode that had been gripping Duprey for weeks.
—Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grip
Noun
Even after losing the nomination to Dukakis, Jackson held a firm grip on the Democratic Party and its chances for success in November.
—Todd Brewster, New York Daily News, 3 Mar. 2026
Presumably, it was intended to strengthen grip, particularly when hanging, but the muscle’s absence has no impact on grip strength in modern humans.
—Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
The killings are part of an escalating wave of violence gripping South Sudan as government forces loyal to President Salva Kiir battle armed men who are believed to be loyal to opposition leader Riek Machar.
—ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
According to a psychiatric evaluation conducted by a doctor in the months following Duprey’s arrest, the incident was the final scene of an escalating psychotic episode that had been gripping Duprey for weeks.
—Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grip
Noun
-
The slip-on design is TSA-friendly (no holding up the line at security), and the lightweight build won’t weigh down your suitcase.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
-
And that can be put into a warhead or it can even be put into a suitcase.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Undefeated UConn still has its grasp on that, though a loss in the Big East title game would open the door for the Bruins, but UCLA will be on the top line heading to Sacramento for the regional round.—
Grace Raynor,
New York Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
In this case and elsewhere, Rakoff has shown a superb grasp of technology issues.—
Business Columnist,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Yes, real syrup is a bit pricer, but seeing the process gives a greater appreciation for and understanding of this slice of flavorful Americana.—
Jennifer Prince,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Ideally, your friends will express their understanding and respect your wishes.—
R. Eric Thomas,
Denver Post,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Because the diagnosis was so unusual, zoo staff examined the bodies of 64 free-ranging roof rats that had either been euthanized in the course of regular pest control or found dead on the property.—
Susanne Rust
Follow,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
These adjustments, referred to as population controls, are likely to show steep downward revisions to both population and labor-force levels – largely reflecting reduced immigration.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The bag can carry up to three pairs of shoes and includes a carry handle.—
Kristin Braswell,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
-
There’s an improved front bumper with improved LiDAR sensors, a new wheel design, and concealed door handles.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The seasonal cake that had Costco fans across the nation clutching their pearls is back.—
Meghan Overdeep,
Southern Living,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Bay Hill has recently brought out Henley’s best, thanks to his pinpoint ball-striking and clutch short game, highlighted by a pivotal chip-in for eagle on the par-5 16th hole in 2025.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Spielberg has been fascinated by the UFO topic his whole career, with his 1977 classic Close Encounters of the Third Kind still considered by many to be the most compelling dramatization of the subject.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Shawn, too, is wracked and fascinated by the human ability to smile and smile and be a villain.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
And along with gender and empowerment, there’s also something about having bright colors and a lot of grief on stage that interests me.—
Jared Kaufman,
Twin Cities,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Celebrity doesn’t interest Vernon Hills junior Yury Plaksin.—
Matt Le Cren,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grip. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
