1
as in control
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 grip
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 understanding
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 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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to hug
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 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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to know
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of grasp
Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2025
Set in the 1960s, the film follows junior high schooler Dean (Oliver), who strikes up a friendship with the vibrant yet reckless Roy (Mulholland), in an effort to escape his mother’s (Lefevre) controlling grasp.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2025
Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 5 Feb. 2025
Some gathered in circles on center ice, grasping hands.
—Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for grasp 
Noun
The Chiefs were driving on their second possession leading 7-3 when the ball hit the turf and into Ed Oliver’s grasp.
—Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 27 Jan. 2025
Set in the 1960s, the film follows junior high schooler Dean (Oliver), who strikes up a friendship with the vibrant yet reckless Roy (Mulholland), in an effort to escape his mother’s (Lefevre) controlling grasp.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
The makeup designs on the main and guest cast characterize them almost instantaneously in ways the viewer grasps but doesn’t need to consciously think about.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 5 Feb. 2025
Some gathered in circles on center ice, grasping hands.
—Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for grasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasp
Noun
-
An audio recording from the control tower at Toronto Pearson International Airport reveals that the flight was cleared to land at approximately 2:10 p.m. local time.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
18 Feb. 2025
-
The reports kept track of hard braking, activation of the vehicle's stability control system and other instances that point to unsafe driving.—
Dana Rose Falcone,
People.com,
17 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
But breaking the grip that your phone has on you isn’t impossible.—
Aditi Shrikant,
CNBC,
14 Feb. 2025
-
Its textured bottom grips the floor, preventing the mat from slipping or sliding, while its sloped edge is designed to reduce users’ risk of tripping over the mat.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
That judgment works for me, but of course in their lively custom NR readers should feel free to improve my understanding of the matter in the comments section.—
Neal B. Freeman,
National Review,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Loading your audio article New Yorkers may soon have a much better understanding of how the NYPD uses technology to conduct surveillance, track cell phones and maintain its facial recognition database.—
Rocco Parascandola,
New York Daily News,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
However, understanding these potential impacts could help prepare humanity for this possible future.—
Victoria Corless,
Space.com,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Representing immigrant moms everywhere, who appreciate the paper bag their son’s girlfriend brought home more than the vegan sliders inside, host Pascal does an incredible job of selling jokes that the audience may not fully understand, but can feel in their spirit.—
Harrison Richlin,
IndieWire,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The straight-leg fit gives a smooth look that won’t hug your body too tight while the polyester material can stand the test of time.—
Rylee Johnston,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Feb. 2025
-
Indeed, 10 minutes later Vasyl receives an order to deploy urgently to an infantry post, and hugs his surprised comrades goodbye.—
Scott Peterson,
The Christian Science Monitor,
4 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Now, the two senators want to hold the president to his pledge.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA TODAY,
10 Feb. 2025
-
Basketball courts and playgrounds can be sunken to hold rain until there’s room in the sewers.—
Meera Joshi,
New York Daily News,
9 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The filing is known in Italy as a CNC, and offers troubled companies the time and space to restructure and chart a path forward.—
Luisa Zargani,
WWD,
11 Feb. 2025
-
The pressure will be higher in our next earning cycle, because everyone wants to know: what does this mean.—
Megan Poinski,
Forbes,
11 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
On February 14, the Adams County SPCA based in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, shared a heartfelt statement on Facebook, expressing their deep appreciation for the community's incredible generosity.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
17 Feb. 2025
-
From museums and famous artwork to cozy restaurants and incredible nature, you’re bound to leave with a newfound appreciation for this city and the people who call it home.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
16 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near grasp
Cite this Entry
“Grasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasp. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
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