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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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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
-
The aim, according to staffers on the project, was to help the GOP win the presidency and retain control of the Senate.—
Corey G. Johnson,
ProPublica,
5 Feb. 2025
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Guatemala has also agreed to create a task force for border control and protection along the country’s eastern borders.—
Michael Rios,
CNN,
5 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The grandmother, haunted by eerie visions and deepening fears, becomes more distant, while the children’s grip on reality begins to unravel.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
3 Feb. 2025
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The durable rubber outsole provides ample grip underfoot, and holds up well to everyday wear and tear.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
2 Feb. 2025
Noun
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For De Leon, growing up between Mexico and the United States gave him a shrewd understanding of human behavior.—
Monica Hunter-Hart,
Forbes,
1 Feb. 2025
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Under the 1977 treaty with Panama, the US returned the canal with the understanding that the waterway remain neutral.—
Patrick Oppmann,
CNN,
31 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
In a few weeks’ time, the Brit Awards is understood to be planning a tribute to 31-year-old Payne, with reports speculating that the remaining members of One Direction could reunite on stage for the first time since their split a decade ago.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
30 Jan. 2025
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The mission’s detailed investigation of Europa will help scientists better understand the astrobiological potential for habitable worlds beyond our planet.—
Richard Tribou,
Orlando Sentinel,
30 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Once, Lily came downstairs and hugged her father — but had an ulterior motive.—
Jackie Tempera,
People.com,
4 Feb. 2025
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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
Verb
-
Now, the two senators want to hold the president to his pledge.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA TODAY,
10 Feb. 2025
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Also on Sunday, there were emotional scenes in Bangkok airport, as five Thai workers who were released after being held hostage for over a year in Gaza arrived back home.—
Robbie Griffiths,
NPR,
9 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Hopkins, who is well known for his own monstrous portrayal of Hannibal Lector in Silence of the Lambs, has been working frequently, including voicing a character in the two-part Netflix film Rebel Moon and forthcoming sci-fi flick Eyes in the Trees.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
31 Jan. 2025
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Elizabeth Lail, known for Netflix’s You, just reprised her role in the Five Nights at Freddy’s sequel.—
Nellie Andreeva,
Deadline,
31 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The event serves as the Athenaeum’s major fundraiser, supporting its operating funds, concerts, art and music appreciation lectures, fine arts classes, exhibitions, and expanding library collections.—
Rancho Santa Fe Review,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 Feb. 2025
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But insurance costs today are about one-fifth the size of a typical payment, outpacing inflation and even the rate of appreciation on the homes themselves.—
Abrahm Lustgarten,
ProPublica,
3 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near grasp
Cite this Entry
“Grasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasp. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
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