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
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Recent Examples of grasp
Janine Schindler, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
The idea is to use the simple, robust components highlighted in the study to build systems that can extend quickly, latch or grasp with precision, and retract reliably.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2025
Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
When Simone decides to grasp Kiki’s life for herself by starting an affair with Peter, though, Michaela’s beatific facade slips.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grasp
Noun
This team member needed to be taught more about the program, shown training materials or given non-priority work tasks that would give him the freedom to experiment and play around with the programming to get a better grasp of the application.
—Janine Schindler, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
The idea is to use the simple, robust components highlighted in the study to build systems that can extend quickly, latch or grasp with precision, and retract reliably.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
His unpolished demeanor and inability to grasp the issues presented a challenge.
—Kimberly Ross, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
When Simone decides to grasp Kiki’s life for herself by starting an affair with Peter, though, Michaela’s beatific facade slips.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for grasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasp
Noun
-
Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.—
Data Skrive,
New York Times,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Touch controls aren't supported here.—
Charles Jefferies,
PC Magazine,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Is this the secret sauce, the narrative catnip, that has held viewers in its grip for so long?—
Thomas Page,
CNN Money,
18 Sep. 2025
-
The mouse is perfect for palm-grip players like me.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
There’s an understanding among Hawaii residents that only students with Hawaiian blood will be admitted.—
Jennifer Sinco Kelleher,
Fortune,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The coming flyby allows the chance for spacecraft to get up close and observe how interactions with Earth's gravitational field and magnetosphere influences and changes Apophis, boosting our understanding of asteroid physics.—
Andrew Jones,
Space.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Your smartphone's voice assistant struggles to understand your accent but works perfectly for others.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
-
While parenting responsibilities are widely understood and sometimes better supported in the workplace, senior care still has a long way to go, Zlotsky said.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles held an emotional meeting with staff on Wednesday after the assassination, telling members to go home and hug their families, the Wall Street Journal reported.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
In typical athlete origin story fashion, the first half of the Christy trailer depicts the unpolished, brunette Sweeney as real-life champion Christy Salters Martin slugging it out in practice, training on a beach, and hugging her supportive team.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Lift the wiper arms gently and make sure they're held firmly in place.—
Keenan Thompson,
USA Today,
18 Sep. 2025
-
And the timing of Williams’ recent improvement may represent a good sign for the Yankees, who are still holding onto a glimmer of hope of winning the AL East while attempting to secure the first wild-card spot and homefield advantage.—
Larry Fleisher,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
With the big night almost here, here's what to know about the award ceremony and how to watch it.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
-
Your wallet — and your customer service experience — will depend on knowing the difference.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The recent 40% weekly increase highlights the potential for appreciation, yet the 95% drop in 2022 illustrates the risks involved.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Brian LaCroix, restaurant operator at Chick-fil-A, said the fast food chain will no longer be offering the military appreciations special.—
Rosanna Fraire,
USA Today,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasp. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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