1
as in understood
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hugged
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 held
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 knew
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 grasped
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
Atheist philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche grasped the radical implications of this view.
—James O. Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
When Chinese alchemists invented gunpowder in the ninth century, no one grasped the full range of its potential uses.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
Finland grasped this eight years ago.
—Andrew Rasiej, New York Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026
The problem is that the general medical community, beyond nephrologists, hasn’t really grasped the extent of the problem.
—Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026
Godoy only fully grasped the answer before shooting Season 2.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Marcus Smart and Austin Reaves earned a pair of technical fouls in the second quarter after Celtics small forward Jaylen Brown sent an elbow into Smart’s face on his way to the rim as Boston grasped a 36-33 lead.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 23 Feb. 2026
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
Atheist philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche grasped the radical implications of this view.
—James O. Cunningham, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2026
When Chinese alchemists invented gunpowder in the ninth century, no one grasped the full range of its potential uses.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
Finland grasped this eight years ago.
—Andrew Rasiej, New York Daily News, 22 Mar. 2026
The problem is that the general medical community, beyond nephrologists, hasn’t really grasped the extent of the problem.
—Tara Haelle, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026
Godoy only fully grasped the answer before shooting Season 2.
—Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Marcus Smart and Austin Reaves earned a pair of technical fouls in the second quarter after Celtics small forward Jaylen Brown sent an elbow into Smart’s face on his way to the rim as Boston grasped a 36-33 lead.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 23 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grasped
Verb
-
According to the testimony of Raffaele Imperiale, an Italian cocaine trafficker and fellow Super Cartel member, Kinahan understood the unspoken rules of the city.—
Ed Caesar,
New Yorker,
30 Apr. 2026
-
What’s more, the LA jazz scene, at least as Bellerose understood it, felt like a relic, with old clubs like The Baked Potato catering more to tourists than adventurous musicians.—
Grayson Haver Currin,
Pitchfork,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
To a casual observer, the late-game pinch hitter stepping into the batter’s box Tuesday at Oswego East didn’t seem extraordinary, but Yorkville senior Brooke Ekwinski knew better.—
Rick Armstrong,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The ominous buzzing of phones, the commingling of accomplishment and humiliation, the sudden pathos of cheap glass awards, the rage at their now-former CEO’s $11 million paycheck… David Frankel’s film knew exactly which buttons to push in our particular audience.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
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
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
The company expects a little more of an impact in its Q2, but Cook said it’s fully comprehended in the above Street outlook of 48% to 49%.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Grasped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grasped. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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