1
as in suitcase
a bag carried by hand and designed to hold a traveler's clothing and personal articles
she placed her grip in the train's overhead rack and seated herself comfortably
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in grasp
the act or manner of holding
get a better grip on the lid and try to open the jar again
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in understanding
the knowledge gained from the process of coming to know or understand something
he has a good grip on basic Spanish grammar and spelling
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in control
the right or means to command or control others
a tyrant that keeps the masses tightly in his grip
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to clutch
to have or keep in one's hands
gripped the handlebars tightly and raced down the hill
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to fascinate
to hold the attention of as if by a spell
that true crime story gripped me as much as any whodunit
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to interest
to hold the attention of
that movie will grip any true sports car fan
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to grasp
to reach for and take hold of by embracing with the fingers or arms
the baby gripped my fingers and wouldn't let go
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 grip
Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 10 Feb. 2026
The grip espadrille heels had on my cabin cannot be overstated.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 9 Feb. 2026
A.o. Scott, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Skiers resolve this contradiction using climbing skins on their skis that are engineered to grip the snow in one direction while allowing smooth sliding in the opposite direction.
—Amy Pope, The Conversation, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grip
Noun
The Spéirling did this in an all-electric package that emphasized lightness, power, and aerodynamics, including the use of fans to move air and increase grip.
—Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 10 Feb. 2026
The grip espadrille heels had on my cabin cannot be overstated.
—Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
One of the many unsettling images to emerge from the recent ICE surge in Minneapolis was that of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos, in his blue bunny hat, standing in the January cold with the hand of a federal officer gripping his Spider-Man backpack.
—A.o. Scott, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
Skiers resolve this contradiction using climbing skins on their skis that are engineered to grip the snow in one direction while allowing smooth sliding in the opposite direction.
—Amy Pope, The Conversation, 2 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for grip
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grip
Noun
-
As Stewart knows, hardside luggage is a must for flights, and this protective suitcase includes features like a keyless lock for security and dual spinner wheels for smooth rolling.—
Cheryl Wagemann,
InStyle,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Leave room in your suitcase or car trunk, you'll be tempted to load up on bulk spices, global snacks, and sweets from the bakery after visiting.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
These days, he is widely regarded as having the finest facility with metrical forms of any poet of his generation—a grasp of prosody both perfect and unpredictable, as if the complex metronome of that turbulent coastline ticked on within him.—
Kathryn Schulz,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
-
No researcher seems to have a firm grasp on how big the industry is.—
Scott Horsley,
NPR,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
That illusion of understanding is what experts say deserves more scrutiny.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
7 Feb. 2026
-
That discovery was crucial in giving researchers an understanding of less-visible matter in the cosmos, known now as dark matter and dark energy.—
Bob Goldsborough,
Chicago Tribune,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Engineers tracked stability and control across each phase.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Feb. 2026
-
As Farthing was assisting in traffic control, a man approached him from behind and stabbed him in the back, sheriff's office spokesperson Kim Peters said in a news release.—
Matthew Cupelli,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
There is a secondary time zone handle included, specifically designed for GMT, and the case and crystal have been engineered to be incredibly thin without sacrificing on performance.—
John Monaco,
InStyle,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The son’s mob handle is Mini Lic.—
Foreign Correspondent,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The sight of 6-foot-10 center Gafford clutching that same right ankle has occurred more times than even Gafford can count in the Mavericks’ first 50 games this season.—
Brad Townsend,
Dallas Morning News,
3 Feb. 2026
-
The cushioned quilt that covers it provides insulation that is both comfy and clutch for keeping our booties warm on a chilly night.—
The Editors,
Outside,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This is Taymor’s first production to embark on a national tour, and she’s been fascinated by the range of audience responses.—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Feb. 2026
-
From legal aspirations to a life of art As a girl, I was fascinated by color, texture and creative expressions.—
Anya Sesay,
jsonline.com,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In Brazil, the debate on narcoterrorism, even after Furtado’s bill was back on the table, seemed not to interest the main figures of the country’s far right.—
Evandro Cruz Silva,
The Dial,
10 Feb. 2026
-
That doesn’t interest me as a writer.—
Ernesto Lechner,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grip.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grip. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
