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
The league may be a Liverpool romp, but a Champions League spot is in Forest’s grasp. Sam Settleman, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025 Corey is what Davids calls an anomaly due to his quick grasp of the game. Annie Ham, Charlotte Observer, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
During Brazil’s own Lollapalooza music festival last month, for example, fashion-forward attendees were seen with minimalist, lightweight phone straps that kept devices at hip level and hands free to grasp a drink of choice. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025 Although all 92 clubs use the same player registration system, there are differences in Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) that need to be grasped. Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasp
Noun
  • Guam plays a vital role in enabling the ability to operate forward by supporting logistics, command and control, and fleet readiness, the U.S. Navy said.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Bailey’s lawsuit is the latest in a prolonged fight between city and state officials over funding of the Kansas City Police Department, which is under state control.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The now ruling Cambodian People’s Party, in power for over four decades, has justified its grip on the country through the trauma of the genocide.
    Sophal Ear, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Systems built on power, fear, and control are reacting because their grip is beginning to loosen.
    Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Dragonfly, if successful, could revolutionize our understanding of how life might arise elsewhere in the solar system.
    Andrew Jones, Space.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Rather, given Cascadian ecology—the primary focus of Carr’s images—understandings of her imaginative creations might also be constructed irrespective of nation: an artist seen primarily in relation to her place, itself her subject.
    Emily Zarevich, JSTOR Daily, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And of course, there’s the need to understand and report on any unexpected and game-changing social media post from the White House.
    Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Dave [Watson] and his team have worked hard to understand the reasons for this disconnect and have identified two primary causes.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • There was the infamous time McMahon punished Triple H for hugging Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Shawn Michaels in the center of the ring at a house show, breaking kayfabe when this was something wrestlers didn't do.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Shelby Bottoms Greenway An oasis in Music City, this five-mile walking trail hugs the Cumberland River.
    Eva Fedderly, Architectural Digest, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • At the lowest income levels, only about 13% of households held retirement accounts in 2022, according to the federal Survey of Consumer Finances.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Today, a total of five firms hold significant shares in the defense market, each with annual revenue that exceeds $10 billion.
    MICHAEL BROWN, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Martha Stewart previously slammed former friend Ina Garten The lifestyle maven is known to cook up beef with fellow lifestyle brand competitors, including taking aim at former friend Ina Garten in September.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Francis, who took his name after Saint Francis of Assisi, was known for his outreach to the poor and those in poverty and that will be reflected in his minimalist burial at Saint Mary Major.
    Kevin Shalvey, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Yuskavage recounted that she was raised in a blue collar community in Pennsylvania, where there was little to no art on display, no contact with galleries and museums, and even less appreciation of art, or the possibility of being an artist.
    Tom Teicholz, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • This sentiment underscores a desire for fans to approach WWE programming with a sense of open-mindedness and appreciation for the storytelling.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasp. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

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