grasp 1 of 2

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

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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
Now the tables have been turned, and a mogul has the secret agent in his grasp. Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2025 Market trends, competition and external disruptions are beyond leaders’ influence, but effort, mindset and response to challenges are fully within our grasp. James Dinardo, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Verb
And way back in 2021, a joint project between MIT and Shanghai Jiao Tong University demonstrated a prosthetic hand that precisely inflates individual fingers made of a soft elastomer to grasp objects and deliver tactile feedback. New Atlas, 7 Mar. 2025 The Trump administration, like those before it, seems to grasp the importance of these materials. IEEE Spectrum, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasp
Noun
  • Boston, which trailed 4-1 in the opening period, tried to generate momentum for a comeback in the second period and enter the third period with control of the game.
    Julian McKenzie, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • The Miami Herald retains editorial control of all work.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The naked trend has an extra tight grip on Hollywood.
    Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Lilian laughed, but Dr. Fenton remained stern, only nodding at Lilian’s understanding.
    Yiyun Li, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Importantly, don’t settle for surface-level understandings of what these mean to you.
    Michael B. Horn, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Getting more people to understand who is homeless, Are and Portway agree, is key to getting better results for people.
    Christie Zizo, Orlando Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Now, scientists are trying to help water managers better understand the salt risks that crucial water supplies face from land to sea as global temperatures warm.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The bride and groom also congratulated and lovingly hugged the couple.
    Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Select dresses, such as sheath and shift dresses, that hang straight off your shoulders and don’t hug too tightly.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • His divorce from ex-wife Anna Faris was not without drama, and he has been accused of belonging to a church that holds anti-LGBTQ views.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Despite entering the final round four shots back, McIlroy held a commanding three-shot lead on the back nine.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The cause of the fire was not known, the Fire Brigade said.
    Phil Helsel, NBC News, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Beta amyloid plaques are known to collect between neurons in the brain and disrupt cell function.
    Jade Walker, CNN, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Only 3 miles from Main Street in downtown Breckenridge there is a trailhead that leads not only to backcountry joy, but a greater appreciation for the town’s 19th-century mining history.
    John Meyer, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025
  • This not only fosters appreciation for the cuisine but also sparks curiosity about the traditions, struggles and resilience of the people behind it.
    Liza B. Zimmerman, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasp. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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