clasp 1 of 2

noun

ˈklasp How to pronounce clasp (audio)
Definition of claspnext
as in grip
the act or manner of holding be careful that your clasp on the cat isn't too tight, or she could get hurt

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

clasp

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to hug
to put one's arms around and press tightly clasped his long-lost sister and cried without restraint

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to hold
to reach for and take hold of by embracing with the fingers or arms clasped a crayon and began drawing

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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 clasp
Noun
There are actual magnets in the handle that clasp the assembly closed, promoting a sense of confidence and quality. — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026 Among the discoveries are bronze statue fragments, signet rings, a necklace with a gold clasp, coins, and hundreds of bone hairpins used in elaborate Roman hairstyles. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 20 June 2026
Verb
Loay Hidmi was walking deliberately along the edge of the pool closest to the Lincoln Memorial, hands clasped behind his back, looking over the ledge. — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 19 June 2026 One image, shot in what appears to be a shipbuilding facility, features another human arm, emerging from the left side of the frame as its gloved fingers clasp a chain that runs off symmetrically to the right. — Eren Orbey, New Yorker, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for clasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clasp
  1. grip
  2. hug
  3. hold
  4. grasp
  5. cradle
  6. take
Noun
  • The ring finger is typically slightly shorter than the middle finger, but the two work closely together, generating grip strength and stabilizing the hand.
    — Steven Lautzenheiser, The Conversation, 6 July 2026
  • There was bewilderment, also, at the failure of the referee to get any kind of grip or control over the Paraguayan antics.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of grip
Verb
  • Videos from these gatherings showing chanting crowds beneath concert lights, audience members crying, hugging strangers and dancing barefoot have racked up millions of views online.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • On a recent afternoon outside the temple in central Kerala, Raman stood motionless as two children played, giggling and hugging its trunk.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Definition of hug
Verb
  • The next step in the process involves the city drafting a redevelopment plan outlining development standards before holding public hearings and seeking additional approvals.
    — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • The handoff that seems minor may decide whether the whole plan holds.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2026
Definition of hold
Noun
  • In comparison, the Sparks, without an offensive rebound until the end of the third quarter, were forced to make perfect shots, though that was far from the team’s grasp.
    — Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
  • For much of the last six years, control has escaped the former top prospect’s grasp.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 6 July 2026
Definition of grasp
Verb
  • On June 19, Hathaway casually stepped into the frame of her Instagram Reel in a white maxiskirt and matching blouse, dropping her arms to cradle her growing baby bump before walking out of the shot.
    — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 19 June 2026
  • On Wednesday, June 17, the journalist shared an Instagram post featuring herself in a New York Knicks jersey, cradling her sleeping newborn granddaughter, who was wearing a floral onesie.
    — Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026
Definition of cradle
Verb
  • To comply with the order, Anthropic was forced to take both models offline June 12.
    — Jared Perlo, NBC news, 1 July 2026
  • Troopers, assisted by the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office and the Fort Worth Police Department, located the suspect nearby and took him into custody without incident.
    — Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026
Definition of take

Browse Nearby Words

clash (with)
clasp
clasped
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Cite this Entry

“Clasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clasp. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on clasp

Nglish: Translation of clasp for Spanish Speakers

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