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
Last week, the comet was measured at magnitude +0.5, well within the grasp of the human eye. Space.com Staff, Space.com, 1 Jan. 2025 At some point, Small broke away from the officers’ grasp and grabbed a Draco firearm. Jade Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 31 Dec. 2024
Verb
Many attendees decried the movie's failure to grasp the cultural nuances of Mexico, accusing it of perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025 Choosing to have a Dry January has gotten increasingly popular as more and more drinkers began to grasp the fact that alcohol really isn’t good for us (sorry to be a buzzkill!). Sarah Klein, SELF, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for grasp 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasp
Noun
  • Instead of bewildering noobs with a million settings and onboard tutorials, this 12 x 11 x 16-inch tank of a machine keeps it simple with easily accessible controls for things like temperature and dose volume for extraction, and run time for the onboard grinder.
    Jaina Grey, WIRED, 12 Jan. 2025
  • Kurt’s key takeaways These health and fitness advancements not only highlight the increasing synergy between technology and wellness, but also empower individuals to take control of their well-being in transformative ways.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • There are a couple of programmable buttons around back, rumble motors in the grips, and a handy multi-function button.
    Simon Hill, WIRED, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Much of the Midwest has been in the grips of severely cold temperatures, with thick snow falling across many states.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • For Tolle, by contrast, individuals should not rearrange their circumstances to find belonging but instead find peace only through a deep understanding of their deepest selves.
    Dan Berger, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Matt is meant to be more of a loveable crank, prone to kids-these-days rants about school accommodations that soon resolve in mutual understanding.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Want to understand the impact of tech on your body and how to live better with your devices?
    Manuela López Restrepo, NPR, 18 Jan. 2025
  • The past week has proven a surreal one for TikTok's users and creators, many of whom are struggling to understand how this proved to be the one issue that could unite Democrats and Republicans.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Colvin then turned to hug reporter Liz Kreutz, who watched the reunion.
    Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Meghan hugged a woman affected by the disaster as the pair wore dust masks to help protect them from the aftermath of the blaze.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • As for 100 Vail Road, Tye Stockton of Compass holds the listing.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The former Unilever executive assumed a title previously held by Chanel co-owner Alain Wertheimer, who became global executive chair of the company.
    Joelle Diderich, WWD, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Here’s everything to know about the real-life case that inspired the 2012 flick.
    Yasmeen Hamadeh, People.com, 19 Jan. 2025
  • Their bias reflected inaccurate stereotypes, a phenomenon related to the psychological concept known as representativeness.
    Hersh Shefrin, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Understanding the intricate mechanisms of shark olfaction not only deepens our appreciation for these remarkable predators but also opens the door to innovative applications in conservation, marine management, and human-shark coexistence.
    Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
  • In May 2021, Marcus voiced his deep appreciation for Joanna’s dedication to their family on Instagram.
    Jordana Comiter, People.com, 11 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near grasp

Cite this Entry

“Grasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasp. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on grasp

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