1
as in hugged
to put one's arms around and press tightly
clasped his long-lost sister and cried without restraint
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in held
to reach for and take hold of by embracing with the fingers or arms
clasped a crayon and began drawing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clasped
While the other candidates pressed their palms against the podiums, ready to pounce on every question, Becerra clasped his hands like an altar boy.
—
Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Another girl, Donna Jo, apparently naked on a back-yard lawn, holds several small, round pieces of fruit, still on their leafy branch, clasped to her chest like a trophy.
—Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2026
Kneeling beside him is a young woman with hands clasped in prayer in this moment of freedom.
—Tyehimba Jess, ARTnews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
Harry stood quietly with his hands clasped until one line appeared to resonate deeply.
—Kylie Walters, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
The oversized coat featured a single button along the collar, which Zendaya wore clasped over her cotton-poplin skirt, creating a voluminous silhouette with an airy effect.
—Staff Author, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026
As Keyla ran around the stage in a black dress adorned with crosses, Richie and Palmer clasped their hands in excitement.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
Sitting in a back room at ExtraMile Arena last weekend, Miller clasped hands with old teammate Steve Barrett, who helped pull him to his feet after an hourlong interview with the Statesman.
—Idaho Statesman, 28 Feb. 2026
As the final seconds ticked down, Bishop’s senior Lotte Lightner clasped the hand of a teammate on the bench and then bounced up to cheer.
—Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Another girl, Donna Jo, apparently naked on a back-yard lawn, holds several small, round pieces of fruit, still on their leafy branch, clasped to her chest like a trophy.
—Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2026
Kneeling beside him is a young woman with hands clasped in prayer in this moment of freedom.
—Tyehimba Jess, ARTnews.com, 17 Apr. 2026
Harry stood quietly with his hands clasped until one line appeared to resonate deeply.
—Kylie Walters, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
The oversized coat featured a single button along the collar, which Zendaya wore clasped over her cotton-poplin skirt, creating a voluminous silhouette with an airy effect.
—Staff Author, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026
As Keyla ran around the stage in a black dress adorned with crosses, Richie and Palmer clasped their hands in excitement.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
Sitting in a back room at ExtraMile Arena last weekend, Miller clasped hands with old teammate Steve Barrett, who helped pull him to his feet after an hourlong interview with the Statesman.
—Idaho Statesman, 28 Feb. 2026
As the final seconds ticked down, Bishop’s senior Lotte Lightner clasped the hand of a teammate on the bench and then bounced up to cheer.
—Glae Thien, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clasped
Verb
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People hugged and cheered around Delp, shifting positions and blocking the sofa without realizing the persistent pup was trying to push through just below them.—
Sara Vallone,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
25 Apr. 2026
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In his press conference on Monday, Rosenior pointed out that one video of Fernandez appearing to walk past him after being substituted against Manchester United was cut before the player turned around and hugged him and shook his hand.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The rapper, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, has been held at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center since he was arrested in September 2024.—
Daniel S. Levine,
People.com,
6 Aug. 2025
-
That means every state budget could be held hostage until the whims of a small fraction of legislators is satisfied.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
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That extra time doesn't necessarily result in the struggling student performing better than the student who grasped the assignment more quickly.—
Ariel Gilreath,
NPR,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Brooke said moments during filming forced her to confront lingering insecurities about whether her father ever fully grasped her independence and success.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Basque team welcomed a Barcelona squad featuring Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez, Andres Iniesta and Xavi to their Anoeta stadium in January 2015, scored an early goal and clung on for dear life against the soon-to-be treble winners.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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The 93-year-old president has clung to power since 1982, in a country where 43% of the population lives in poverty.—
Claudio Lavanga,
NBC news,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Gabbard’s appointment was full of risk from the start because of her background, but her inconsequential impact on actual matters of policy might be one more reason to downsize the bloated national-security infrastructure put in place during the panic that gripped America after 9/11.—
Tom Nichols,
The Atlantic,
25 Apr. 2026
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But candlemania has gripped the world of interior design, as many crave the soft glow and more natural feel of candlelight, and holders become the ideal vehicle for decor expression without breaking the bank (in most cases).—
Francesca Perry,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Chaminade took an 11-10 lead in the top of the ninth on an RBI single by Siena Greenlinger.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
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Meanwhile, on Wednesday evening, Carr posted a riposte to a commenter on X who took aim at the FCC chief.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
30 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clasped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clasped. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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