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
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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
Simon Hill, Wired News, 9 July 2025
Understanding the Seven Mountains Mandate is essential for grasping the dynamics of contemporary efforts to align government and culture with a particular vision of Christian authority and influence.
—Art Jipson, The Conversation, 8 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
Amazon $40 Walmart $44 Target An old WIRED favorite and one of the best family board games, Ticket to Ride features steam engine styling and easy to grasp rules.
—Simon Hill, Wired News, 9 July 2025
Understanding the Seven Mountains Mandate is essential for grasping the dynamics of contemporary efforts to align government and culture with a particular vision of Christian authority and influence.
—Art Jipson, The Conversation, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for grasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasp
Noun
-
As air boss of the USS Midway, Jumper guided scores of evacuation helicopters onto the aircraft carrier’s deck during a chaotic, hair-raising 30-hour period in April 1975, as North Vietnamese forces were taking control of Saigon.—
Gary Robbins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 July 2025
-
Nothing The best wireless earbuds for most people, Nothing's Ear (a) (8/10, WIRED Recommends) sound and look great, and have decent noise cancellation, good battery life, and great touch controls.—
Simon Hill,
Wired News,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
The top three contributors to hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT
Updated July 9,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 July 2025
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Amazon $100 Dick's Sporting Goods Great for upgrading from beginner pickleball paddles, the SLK Evo Power XL 2.0 features a fiberglass face, balanced weight, and comfy grip—now half off for Prime Day.—
Parker Hall,
Wired News,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
Breslow had done the interview before the game with the understanding that the selections would be embargoed until later in the day.—
Steve Buckley,
New York Times,
7 July 2025
-
Our sight has to be informed with a broader understanding of context, history, and the individual.—
Will Potter
July 7,
Literary Hub,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
Some things are beyond the capacity of a child to understand, while others resonate most profoundly out of the mouths of babes.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
5 July 2025
-
If not, the Kings might come to understand why Kerr couldn’t always trust Kuminga in key situations.—
Jason Anderson
July 5,
Sacbee.com,
5 July 2025
Verb
-
These Good Standard straight-leg jeans fit just loose enough for plenty of comfort without feeling too baggy and feature a contoured design to hug your waist with a relaxed fit on the lower half.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
12 July 2025
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Michael Owen Baker/AP Photo Arturo Rangel hugs Judith Ramos whose father works at the greenhouse in the background as federal immigration agents block access during a raid in the agriculture area of Camarillo, Calif., Thursday, July 10, 2025.—
Amanda Castro
Billal Rahman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 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
-
Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
7 July 2025
-
This leaves the smartphone’s storage ready for more photos while the phone’s owner knows their precious photos and videos are safely stowed away on the NAS.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
6 July 2025
Noun
-
First, exhibit appreciation for and an interest in others’ abilities, skills, knowledge and perspectives.—
Susan Madsen,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
-
And there’s this deep appreciation for culture and the way these countries developed, especially as an outsider looking at the United States.—
Seth Abramovitch,
HollywoodReporter,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasp. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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