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
Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 17 June 2025
Would Haliburton be sidelined if this was January, in the dog days of a regular season grind, instead of June when a championship is within grasp?
—Shane Young, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
As the two families try to grasp what happened 16 years ago, police are called and complications — with violence, threats, mean girls and a disappearance — ensue.
—Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for grasp
Noun
To negotiate when our strategic objective is within our grasp risks failing to achieve it.
—Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 17 June 2025
Would Haliburton be sidelined if this was January, in the dog days of a regular season grind, instead of June when a championship is within grasp?
—Shane Young, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
Verb
The community was still struggling to grasp the eight boater deaths.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
As the two families try to grasp what happened 16 years ago, police are called and complications — with violence, threats, mean girls and a disappearance — ensue.
—Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for grasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasp
Noun
-
Because many of the scenes are shot through windows or doorways, the camera can seem sympathetic to Agnes’s struggle to regain control.—
Katy Waldman,
New Yorker,
29 June 2025
-
The water pressure then causes the vehicle to rise and slide on a thin layer of water between the tires and the road, making the driver lose control.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
29 June 2025
Noun
-
Hard tires last longer—saving pit stops—but have less grip, and result in slower lap times.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
27 June 2025
-
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.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
27 June 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
-
To better understand the risks and inform public debate, the French food safety agency ANSES ran multiple studies to measure microplastic levels in everyday foods, especially seafood and beverages.—
Pranjal Malewar,
New Atlas,
5 July 2025
Verb
-
Guardiola has always traditionally asked for his two wingers to provide the width for the team but that started to change at times last season, with the full-backs hugging the touchline.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
30 June 2025
-
Aaron Paul and pal, Chef Michael Mina, hug it out at the one-year anniversary of Bourbon Steak in New York.—
Grace Harrington,
People.com,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
The Mariners hold a 5 1/2-game game over the Royals in the AL Wild Card standings.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
1 July 2025
-
Republicans, who hold a 53-47 majority, face united Democratic opposition − and the defection of at least two of their own members.—
Olivia Munson,
USA Today,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
7 July 2025
-
Because as our founders knew so well, human nature recoils all too often at the inconveniences and frustrations of self-government.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
6 July 2025
Noun
-
That’s because stock is only taxed when it’s sold, and not on its appreciation in value; activists like the protesters in Venice this week want that to change.—
Phoebe Liu,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
-
Montano expressed appreciation for $5 million worth of federal grants that will be used to improve local intersections and school zones.—
Stephanie Lam,
Mercury News,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasp. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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