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 incoming president has proven to have a strong grasp on his party. Taylor Giorno, The Hill, 5 Dec. 2024 This leaves employees using AI with little grasp of essentials like security, privacy or data integrity. Alex Goryachev, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
Failing to grasp how much energy is wanted, and the things people in places like Pakistan might be willing to do to get it, leaves the world unprepared to build, fund, and plan for a cleaner future. Noah Gordon, Vox, 1 Dec. 2024 Switching between terminals is performed simply by grasping the housing in the middle, then flicking your wrist and letting centrifugal force do the work. Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 28 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for grasp 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasp
Noun
  • His autopsy reports no use of physical control by deputies.
    Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The Bank of Japan for years used a policy of yield curve control to suppress bond returns, keeping yields on its 10-year bond close to zero.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune Asia, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • If the skier falls and lets go of either of the poles, a sensor in the hand grip of that pole triggers the motors to stop.
    Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 11 Dec. 2024
  • Leigh touches on something unresolved in her nature and in the state of the world, especially now when so many people easily lose grip.
    Armond White, National Review, 11 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Teamwork can be challenging because businesspeople frequently lack a thorough understanding of data modeling and analysis, while data experts are less familiar with business terminology.
    Artyom Keydunov, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Original story reprinted with permission from Quanta Magazine, an editorially independent publication of the Simons Foundation whose mission is to enhance public understanding of science by covering research developments and trends in mathematics and the physical and life sciences.
    Kelsey Houston-Edwards, WIRED, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Further clinical trials are needed to better understand and assess the potential mechanisms at work.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 7 Dec. 2024
  • Testing can help officials understand which farms and cows are infected, and how the virus is moving between them, said Matthew Moore, an assistant professor in the department of food science at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
    Dani Blum, New York Times, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • In the mother-son snap, Teigen can be seen holding and hugging Wren, who looks strikingly similar to Legend, 45.
    Emma Aerin Becker, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The woman and her mother have it out, hug, and make up, so Frasier and his dad Martin try arguing like Jews.
    Esther Zuckerman, TIME, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The majority of the film is set within the confines of an asylum and a courtroom, with Fleck being held accountable for the handful of murders committed from the last film.
    Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 17 Dec. 2024
  • Republicans are slated to hold a trifecta in Washington in the new year, prompting a push for a younger crop of Democratic committee leaders to counter Republican efforts.
    Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 17 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • The Eagles know their offense can’t devolve into a frustrating mess for a second straight season.
    Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Keselowski's entry into RFK Racing in 2021 marked a turning point for the team, formerly known as Roush Fenway Racing.
    Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Providing a vehicle through which consumers can understand the geography, geology and microclimate of specific areas of the appellation certainly cultivates a greater understanding of and appreciation for the wines.
    Paul Caputo, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
  • As a token of appreciation for participating in their initiative for a greener future, participants can get 15% off their next purchase of $50 or more.
    Molly Higgins, WIRED, 13 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near grasp

Cite this Entry

“Grasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasp. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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