grasp 1 of 2

grasp

2 of 2

verb

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
3
4

Synonym Chooser

How is the word grasp different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of grasp are clutch, grab, seize, snatch, and take. While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession.

grasp the handle and pull

When might clutch be a better fit than grasp?

The synonyms clutch and grasp are sometimes interchangeable, but clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding.

clutching her purse

How are the words grab and snatch related as synonyms of grasp?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch.

grabbed roughly by the arm

When is it sensible to use seize instead of grasp?

While in some cases nearly identical to grasp, seize implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible.

seized the suspect

How do snatch and seize relate to one another, in the sense of grasp?

Snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize.

snatched a doughnut and ran

When could take be used to replace grasp?

While the synonyms take and grasp are close in meaning, take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control.

take some salad from the bowl

Examples 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 grasp
Noun
The possibility of the American Dream is still within the grasp of many. Wes Moss, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 But the Hawks got enough from both sides of the ice to get the job done, which is better than the alternative this season — the bottom falling out with a win within grasp. Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024
Verb
Businesspeople and their allies in Congress didn’t fully grasp this phenomenon until lawmakers faced an onslaught of grassroots right-wing opposition to the legislation, in 2006 and 2007 and heading into the 2008 election. Eli Hager, ProPublica, 25 Oct. 2024 In previous years, the BCI competition typically involved tasks like grasping and turning, but not holding an object still. Dana MacKenzie, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for grasp 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasp
Noun
  • Trump has promised to carry out the country’s largest-ever deportation operation, extend tax breaks, punish his political enemies, seize control of the federal government’s most powerful tools and reshape the U.S. economy.
    Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
  • In this film’s world, humans and dogs share control as rulers of the earth.
    Katie Rife, Vulture, 16 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • For decades, the New Progressive Party and the Popular Democratic Party held an iron grip on the island's electoral system, with the two parties typically capturing over 90 percent of the vote.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Winter hikers will want to invest in a pair of boots that provide reliable grip on snow, ice, and slick trails, so the Hoka Women’s Kaha 2 Gtx Hiking Boots are a no-brainer since they’re fitted with Gore-Tex exteriors alongside a waterproof shell to keep your feet warm and dry all season long.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Don’t let negativity or lack of understanding stand in your way.
    Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2024
  • The team used the same strontium isotopes that were used to date the DNA samples to get a better understanding of the diversity and origins of Pompeii’s residents.
    Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • If not, it’s understood that the host will treat the group.
    Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2024
  • The opportunity to understand what went wrong vanished when Onyxx was cremated.
    Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 11 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The video was followed by a black-and-white image of Biles hugging Chiles, 23, and Joscelyn Roberson.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Family and friends of Taylor hugged each other and cheered after leaving court late Friday night.
    Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The tasteful memorial features a short labyrinth walkway that ends at the sculpture of a miner holding a pick-axe and a harp, one of Ireland’s national symbols.
    James Dziezynski, Outside Online, 10 Nov. 2024
  • No team this season has held the top spot for more consecutive weeks than Oregon, which pulled away from Maryland over the weekend to improve to 10-0 and is a unanimous No. 1 for the second straight week.
    Eric Olson, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Hoping that Brendan would find it in his heart to spare her husband’s life, and knowing that the IRA was bound to discover his double-identity sooner rather than later, Kathleen confesses to Brendan.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Gaetz, a Trump loyalist known for being a rabble-rouser in Congress, has a law degree and briefly practiced law in Florida before entering politics, but has never worked as a prosecutor.
    Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Cannabis can deepen your appreciation for the universe’s beauty, making this a peaceful way to end a day of fall adventures The Fresh Toast is a daily lifestyle platform with a side of cannabis.
    Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024
  • Foreign currency gains were $14.5 million for the quarter, compared to $4.9 million in the previous year, driven by appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar.
    Quartz Bot, Quartz, 12 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near grasp

Cite this Entry

“Grasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasp. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on grasp

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