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
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
28 June 2026
Thus, the program’s aim is to help form future officials, diplomats, and intelligence officers who will need to have a clear-eyed grasp of the menacing neighbor that shares more than 1,200 miles of border with Ukraine.
—
Howard Lafranchi,
Christian Science Monitor,
27 June 2026
ABC News,
30 June 2026
Pick it up with both hands, gently grasping the shell just behind the front legs.
—
Michelle Mastro,
Martha Stewart,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for grasp
Noun
With a goal in the 92nd minute of this match, and only roughly three minutes left in stoppage time, Canada can feel the round of 16 within its grasp.
—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
28 June 2026
Thus, the program’s aim is to help form future officials, diplomats, and intelligence officers who will need to have a clear-eyed grasp of the menacing neighbor that shares more than 1,200 miles of border with Ukraine.
—
Howard Lafranchi,
Christian Science Monitor,
27 June 2026
Verb
Contending with power cuts, women, eager to finish a piece and get paid, may work on rooftops to grasp the last ray of sunlight, Jaafar said.
—
ABC News,
30 June 2026
Pick it up with both hands, gently grasping the shell just behind the front legs.
—
Michelle Mastro,
Martha Stewart,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for grasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasp
Noun
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Steer clear of puddles - Driving into puddles or low areas of rainwater can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control.
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With Australia closing in on a winner in regulation with its young attack, Egypt settled in over the final 20 minutes or so to regain control of possession and find the more consistent threats on goal.
Noun
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The ring finger is typically slightly shorter than the middle finger, but the two work closely together, generating grip strength and stabilizing the hand.
-
There was bewilderment, also, at the failure of the referee to get any kind of grip or control over the Paraguayan antics.
Noun
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The Iranian regime’s apparent hesitancy to resume in-person talks is a significant step back from the high-level talks that took place in Switzerland earlier this month following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the countries.
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So the career of saying this film, not that one, gives way to a bitter understanding that the medium was indifferent to attempts at discrimination and prospects of a pantheon.
Verb
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When choosing a warranty, review the contract, check what is covered, and understand the claims process.
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However, it is rarely used on mainstream weather maps and by TV meteorologists, who favor the heat index that has long reigned supreme and is easily understood by the public.
Verb
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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.
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On a recent afternoon outside the temple in central Kerala, Raman stood motionless as two children played, giggling and hugging its trunk.
Verb
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The next step in the process involves the city drafting a redevelopment plan outlining development standards before holding public hearings and seeking additional approvals.
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The handoff that seems minor may decide whether the whole plan holds.
Verb
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Cape Verde 40-year-old goalkeeper Josimar Jose Evora Dias, also known as Vozinha, became a fan favorite along the way.
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Sometimes there is a fine line between being a hero or a bum, but Dave has been able to negotiate that line, because players trust him, and the players know that Dave cares about them and their families.
Noun
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In 1859, Congress expressed the nation’s appreciation by creating the first reservation in Arizona; the two tribes, now known as the Gila River Indian Community, were guaranteed 372,000 acres along the Gila River.
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This could look like offering yourself appreciation, rest or understanding through meditation or journaling.
Cite this Entry
“Grasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasp. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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