grasp 1 of 2

grasp

2 of 2

verb

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
3
4

Synonym Chooser

How is the word grasp different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of grasp are clutch, grab, seize, snatch, and take. While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession.

grasp the handle and pull

When might clutch be a better fit than grasp?

The synonyms clutch and grasp are sometimes interchangeable, but clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding.

clutching her purse

How are the words grab and snatch related as synonyms of grasp?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch.

grabbed roughly by the arm

When is it sensible to use seize instead of grasp?

While in some cases nearly identical to grasp, seize implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible.

seized the suspect

How do snatch and seize relate to one another, in the sense of grasp?

Snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize.

snatched a doughnut and ran

When could take be used to replace grasp?

While the synonyms take and grasp are close in meaning, take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control.

take some salad from the bowl

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 grasp
Noun
At 42-23, the Knicks have a firm grasp of the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference but continue to deal with the crushing loss of Jalen Brunson to an ankle injury a week prior. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 Pressure: Touch yourself using different tempos, firmer grasps, pushes, and pulls. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
Many of them were repeating outdated rhetoric and didn’t seem to really grasp how the world was changing and how a different kind of leadership was needed to respond to those changes. The Dial, 18 Mar. 2025 Instead, Grimes has grasped the opportunity to play extended minutes with both hands. Kelly Iko, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasp
Noun
  • The Department of Transportation was notified to conduct traffic control.
    Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 6 Apr. 2025
  • As a protégé of Harry Anslinger, the notorious anti-drug zealot at the head of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, Wolff was part of the inner circle of control advocates that virtually dictated WHO policy at the time.
    Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Now, companies are betting that machines can tackle a wider range of tasks by mimicking the ways that people walk, bend, twist, reach, grip and generally get things done.
    Cade Metz, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Speaking of the ocean, this formula blends deep sea plant extracts with rice bran for antioxidant properties, with polymers and mineral powders for grip and makeup’s overall staying power.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Despite the entrenched ethical norms of the legal profession, educational institutions at every level should devise strategies designed to improve the public’s understanding of government and its critical intersection with the rule of law.
    Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Critically, lenders give buyers a big-picture understanding of what their monthly payment will look like under various loan configurations, taking into account sales price tiers, interest rates, property taxes and insurance.
    TC Brown, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • It was not understood that the artist, through rigorous pictorial research, was aiming to chart the history of the image of female genitalia in the history of art from the classical period onward.
    Paola Ugolini, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025
  • At least conceptually, the Giants understand that the leap from 3-14 to Super Bowl contender cannot be made in a year.
    Howard Megdal, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • My friend hugged me quickly and ran off consumed with hosting duties.
    Time, Time, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Ovechkin then hugged team equipment and training staff on the bench and went through a handshake line with the Islanders as crew members set up for the 895 ceremony.
    CBS News, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • About two dozen people held signs lambasting the billionaire outside a dealership in London as passing cars and trucks tooted horns in support.
    Michael Liedtke, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Experts Weigh In One meeting was reportedly held with U.K.'s Secretary of Defense John Healey in the Pentagon on March 6 and discussions included the United States' decision to withdraw from sharing military intelligence with Ukraine amid their war with Russia, the Wall Street Journal reports.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Here’s what to know about Booker’s marathon protest.
    Nik Popli, Time, 2 Apr. 2025
  • This was a problem for Sexton, best known for his roles in Bosch, The Killing and Deadwood who was offered a $595,000 deal for the role of Johnson.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • At a fan convention in Los Angeles in 2017, North expressed his appreciation for fans of Dennis the Menace.
    Raven Brunner, People.com, 6 Apr. 2025
  • Taking into account dividends and investment appreciation over time, Forbes estimates Prenosil has at least $280 million in wealth outside her Dick’s stock.
    Jemima McEvoy, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasp. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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