Synonyms of gripped

gripped

verb

past tense of grip

1

as in clenched

to have or keep in one's hands

gripped the handlebars tightly and raced down the hill

Synonyms & Similar Words

• clenched
• clutched
• held
• grabbed
• carried
• cradled
• clung (to)
• took
• grasped
• snatched
• hugged
• trapped
• seized
• captured
• handled
• clasped
• held on to
• bore
• felt
• hooked
• grappled
• hung on to
• caught
• fingered
• landed
• bagged
• nailed
• snapped (up)
• embraced
• snared
• corralled
• nabbed
• pawed
• collared
• latched (on or onto)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• handed
• gave
• dropped
• delivered
• unclasped
• rendered
• released
• relinquished
• unhanded
• yielded
• ceded
• turned over
• handed out
• handed over
• gave up

2

as in fascinated

to hold the attention of as if by a spell

that true crime story gripped me as much as any whodunit

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fascinated
• enchanted
• mesmerized
• thrilled
• spellbound
• enthralled
• hypnotized
• arrested
• caught up
• entranced
• bedazzled
• enraptured
• engrossed
• involved
• charmed
• engaged
• bewitched
• beguiled
• absorbed

3

as in interested

to hold the attention of

that movie will grip any true sports car fan

Synonyms & Similar Words

• interested
• intrigued
• immersed
• occupied
• fascinated
• involved
• attracted
• busied
• engrossed
• engaged
• enthralled
• absorbed
• enwrapped
• distracted
• enchanted
• preoccupied
• bemused
• captivated
• obsessed
• caught up
• caught one's eye
• charmed
• mesmerized
• bewitched
• hypnotized
• allured
• beguiled
• hogged
• monopolized

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bored
• tired
• wearied
• jaded
• palled

4

as in grasped

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

• grasped
• held
• took
• clasped
• clenched
• clutched
• laid hold of
• caught
• held on (to)
• snatched
• seized
• hung on to
• clung (to)
• nabbed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• dropped
• released
• freed
• discharged
• liberated
• passed
• gave
• handed
• delivered
• transferred
• transmitted
• relinquished
• entrusted
• turned over
• handed over
• unhanded

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of gripped

And there Marcia was, slumped on the banquette, the plastic glass still gripped in her hand, her eyes rolled back. — Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026

An immigrant of Indian descent who had moved to New York from Guyana, he was gripped by fear as an anti-Middle Eastern sentiment took hold in the wake of the attacks. — Usa Today Staff, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026

For six weeks Lindsay Clancy’s trial gripped the nation, taking over newscasts, podcasts and social media chatter. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 7 Sep. 2026

The tragedy comes as Lindsay Clancy’s trial, which gripped the nation and sparked passionate debate, ended after the jury remained deadlocked and the judge declared a mistrial Friday. — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026

Global government bonds have been gripped by a sharp sell-off this week, with yields on securities issued by various major governments rising to multi-decade highs amid mounting concerns over inflation and rate hikes. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2026

No longer will the franchise be gripped by the vise of Arte Moreno. — Andy McCullough, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Singh declined to reveal more information about the judge who considered an alternative ruling, but the judge recalled feeling gripped by fear and agonizing for nearly an hour before sticking with the decision the law required. — ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026

The trial of Lindsay Clancy — the Massachusetts woman who killed her three young children before trying to die by suicide in 2023 — is winding down but has gripped the nation over the past month. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 28 Aug. 2026