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

Example 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
Having a profound grasp of what users require, frequently before the users themselves are aware of it, is the source of success any tech company can boast of. Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025 Dom Clemons Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook Dom Flemons, a co-founder of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, brings his encyclopedic grasp of American folk and roots music to The Kate. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
Reality is probably somewhere closer to the middle, as the album offers fans of Drake and PND’s breezy R&B sound plenty to grasp onto, with 21 tracks of well-executed, signature OVO-style hits. Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 14 Feb. 2025 This might seem obvious, but apparently, not everyone grasps the concept. Laura Bradley, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasp
Noun
  • An audio recording from the control tower at Toronto Pearson International Airport reveals that the flight was cleared to land at approximately 2:10 p.m. local time.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
  • Also notable: Neither McVay nor Snead would cede any roster control to Rodgers, who has a history of bringing his friends to his new teams.
    Jourdan Rodrigue, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • But Ukraine has still managed to retain its grip on a chunk of territory, including the town of Sudzha, around six miles from the Ukrainian border.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
  • An optional Photography Kit can be bought to improve pictures, which includes a camera grip case, an external 2000mAh battery and more controls.
    Janhoi McGregor, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Think of the persistence of a Christian understanding of American identity.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Two people can go into a room, have a conversation and emerge with a completely different understanding of what took place inside that room.
    Jackie Strause, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • There are two ways to do that - understand the historical odds and position yourself prior to the event, or look at the correlation between immediate return and medium-term return post earnings and position yourself accordingly post-event.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
  • Racers understand the dangers their sport presents, and while NASCAR has been proactive in its safety measures, there’s always more to be done.
    Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 23 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In an ode to Tara’s win weeks earlier, Hunter hugged his wife after the event once again.
    Sam Gillette, People.com, 17 Feb. 2025
  • When the ball found the bottom of the cup at 18, Aberg clenched his fist, punched the air, hugged his caddie and smiled.
    Kirk Kenney, Orlando Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In contrast, the U.S. criminal justice system holds public hearings, jails and prisons publish rosters of detainees, and criminal charges and sentences are made public.
    Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
  • And while the Gaels currently hold opposing teams to a paltry 31.8 percent on 3-point shooting, the analytics community views 3-point defense as mostly variance or, in simpler terms, luck.
    Brett Koremenos, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Who knew the hardest thing about an awards show acceptance speech could be holding the trophy?
    Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Since opening in 2017, Darjeeling Express has become a culinary destination known for its authentic home-style Indian cooking and commitment to female empowerment.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • On February 14, the Adams County SPCA based in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, shared a heartfelt statement on Facebook, expressing their deep appreciation for the community's incredible generosity.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
  • From museums and famous artwork to cozy restaurants and incredible nature, you’re bound to leave with a newfound appreciation for this city and the people who call it home.
    Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 16 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Grasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasp. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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