Synonyms for grasp
- verb
- noun
Most common
Synonyms by meaning
Verb
1. Comprehend — to understand
comprehend, hold, understand, grip, take, grab, catch, seize, clutch, get the picture informal, appreciate, see, clinch, grapple, cling, snatch, apprehend, nab, dig, savvy informal, pinch, twig
2. Clasp
hold on, clasp, hold tight, stranglehold, hang on, enclasp, begrip, belock dated, begrasp rare
Other
Noun
2. Understanding
Other
Definitions
- v. 1
To understand.
I have never been able to grasp the concept of infinity.
- v. 2
To grip; to take hold, particularly with the hand.
- n. 1
Grip.
A vagrant gust of wind snatched the note from my grasp.
- n. 2
Understanding.
Related words
- Word family
- graspability graspable grab grapple grave
- Phrases
- grasp at straws grasp for straws light grasp
Choose the right word
We clutch with a swift, tenacious movement of the fingers; we grasp with a firm but moderate closure of the whole hand; we grip or gripe with the strongest muscular closure of the whole hand possible to exert.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- grab In case of fire, I would grab my flute and escape.
- grip The dictator rules the country with an iron grip.
- seize You have to seize the opportunity with both hands.
- comprehend This theory is too difficult for me to comprehend.
- stranglehold I'd want a girlfriend who can pull off a stranglehold.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| grasp | rising | |
| grab | rising | |
| grip | rising | |
| seize | steady | |
| comprehend | rising |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 3 letters
- see1, dig1, nab1
- 4 letters
- take1, hold1, grab1, grip1, twig1
- 5 letters
- range1, catch1, reach1, seize1, pinch1, savvy2, cling1, clasp1
- 6 letters
- clutch1, snatch1, clinch1, thrall1, begrip, belock
- 7 letters
- grapple2, enclasp, begrasp
- 8 letters
- clutches2
- 9 letters
- apprehend3
- 10 letters
- understand3, appreciate4, possession3, comprehend3, prehension
- 12 letters
- appreciation5, apprehension4, stranglehold3
- 13 letters
- understanding4, comprehension4
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (savvy2 = 2 syllables).