1
as in control
the ability to direct the course of something
The team got out to a big lead and rightly assumed that victory was within their 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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of grasp
Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 27 June 2025
All of those results reflect the new political geometry of health care: Since the passage of the ACA, federal health care programs have extended their reach up the income ladder even as Trump’s political strength among working-class voters has extended the GOP’s grasp down the income ladder.
—Ronald Brownstein, Mercury News, 27 June 2025
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 24 July 2025
Americans have not fully grasped these potential consequences.
—David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for grasp
Noun
For the final act, hyperpop lodestar underscores held the tightest grasp on the crowd.
—Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 27 June 2025
All of those results reflect the new political geometry of health care: Since the passage of the ACA, federal health care programs have extended their reach up the income ladder even as Trump’s political strength among working-class voters has extended the GOP’s grasp down the income ladder.
—Ronald Brownstein, Mercury News, 27 June 2025
Verb
Many American consumers fail to grasp the basic math of inflation, according to a large-scale study of financial literacy.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 24 July 2025
Americans have not fully grasped these potential consequences.
—David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for grasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasp
Noun
-
The percentage indicates how much of the fire perimeter has been surrounded by a control line.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
23 July 2025
-
And in today’s digital world, even a small mistake—intentional or not—can quickly spiral out of control and damage trust.—
Maria Trochimezuk,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Noun
-
As more cars made their runs, the circuit rubbered in — increasing tire grip as more and more rubber went down and times tumbled as a result.—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
2 Aug. 2025
-
The top three contributors to hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
2 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Press Releases 2025 Quantum computings rapid rise is a risk to cybersecurity and business stability The remainder of 2025 will witness a range of both new and old cyberthreats as cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and quantum computing develop in functionality and understanding.—
Chuck Brooks,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
Our understanding, based on data, was that people 45 and older would make up 80% of regional music listenership.—
Griselda Flores,
Billboard,
31 July 2025
Verb
-
His attorneys have argued that Brown appears not to be competent for trial and cannot factually understand the capital murder case against him.—
Quinlan Bentley,
The Enquirer,
30 July 2025
-
His office looks at the business' activities to understand what will take place on site.—
Matthew Glowicki,
The Courier-Journal,
30 July 2025
Verb
-
In this sweet, candid moment, Lopez hugs her babies while backstage on the Marry Me set.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
24 July 2025
-
Mothers crying out loud for their children, and fathers hugging their children close to their chests.—
Troy Onyango,
Time,
24 July 2025
Verb
-
And believe it or not, plenty are genuinely comfortable, holding their own against traditional footwear.—
Jake Henry Smith,
Glamour,
15 July 2025
-
Dreck is intended to highlight that rules are not alone in the regulatory universe, and urge that policymakers recognize and be held to account for the laundering of regulation by non-rule means to influence outcomes or inflict obligations, whether intentional or not.—
Clyde Wayne Crews Jr,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
Ford’s traditional business operations, known as Ford Blue, earned $661 million in the quarter compared with $1.17 billion in the year-ago quarter.—
Jamie L. LaReau,
Freep.com,
31 July 2025
-
Servers look to their customer's coasters — gold for nonalcoholic and black for alcohol — to know what kind of drink each patron wants.—
Jordyn Noennig,
jsonline.com,
31 July 2025
Noun
-
Their 11-year-old daughter, Jasmine, made thank you cards with big hearts and notes of appreciation for all the support.—
Bahar Anooshahr,
AZCentral.com,
24 July 2025
-
And across other side of the field, there’s a great appreciation for what Ohtani is doing.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
22 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasp. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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