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

In the 1980s Americans became gripped with satanic panic, the fear that Satan worshippers were committing heinous crimes against children. — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026

In simulated procedures involving artificial tissue, blood vessels, and an appendix model, the skin illuminated the areas being gripped, with the brightness and size of the glowing regions changing as the instrument applied more or less force. — New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026

The case has gripped Kenya since the discovery of the mass graves. — Jefferson Kahinju Reuters, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026

The Apology, written by Joe Murtagh (Say Nothing), follows Evelyn (Paltrow) and Caleb Amspoker whose son was murdered 18 years ago in a cold case that gripped the nation. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026

The Oscar winner will play Evelyn Amspoker, whose son was murdered 18 years ago in a cold case that gripped the nation. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026

On the microphone, his promos conveyed a no-nonsense intensity that equally gripped viewers. — Rudy Chinchilla, NBC news, 17 Oct. 2026

The decision was a shocking twist in the high-profile case, which has gripped the public for years and sparked several true crime podcasts, books and documentaries. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026

At the time when Jackson’s remains were found, the West was gripped in severe drought. — Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026