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
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
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
-
Make sure the tires reconnect with the road - During the skid, wait until the tires reconnect with the road and then gently straighten the wheels to regain control.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
23 July 2025
-
Lockdown may have driven some people to question one another’s reality; Eddington’s protagonist, however, seeks control of his—with violent and gory results.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
23 July 2025
Noun
-
Reuniting with his godson (Finn), a streetwise enforcer entangled with a powerful crime syndicate, the two hatch a high-stakes heist in a desperate bid to escape the grip of a ruthless mob boss (Gooding Jr.).—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
21 July 2025
-
The three main causes of 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,
21 July 2025
Noun
-
So are basic physics, the general understanding of human limitations, logic.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
20 July 2025
-
Rawlinson, who said her experiences as a woman of color have informed her understanding of the issue, agreed.—
Alyce Brown,
Chicago Tribune,
19 July 2025
Verb
-
With millions of followers across Instagram, TikTok and Substack, the platform is positioned towards helping young people better understand the news, with regular free newsletters and podcasts.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
15 July 2025
-
However, the evidence is mixed; researchers think larger studies are needed to understand caffeine's influence on this condition.15 What Are the Potential Downsides of Cloud Coffee?—
Mark Gurarie,
Verywell Health,
15 July 2025
Verb
-
Mothers crying out loud for their children, and fathers hugging their children close to their chests.—
Troy Onyango,
Time,
24 July 2025
-
In this sweet, candid moment, Lopez hugs her babies while backstage on the Marry Me set.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
People.com,
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
-
Premieres will be held Thursday, January 22, to Tuesday, January 27, where audiences will see films, episodic projects, and more for the first time, with additional showings throughout the entire Festival.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
That gap can cause marketing to keep optimizing based on CPC or CPL without knowing which leads actually move forward in the funnel.—
Ron Browning,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
7 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 30 Jul. 2025.
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