CLASPING Synonyms: 60 Similar and Opposite Words

clasping

verb

present participle of clasp

as in hugging

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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as in holding

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

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 clasping These feature the American Eagle on one side, clasping an oak branch in its talons. — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 20 July 2026 Their logo is an osprey, clasping a baseball bat in its talons. — Alanis Thames, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2026 Charlotte, an avid tennis fan like her mom, could be seen clasping her face in shock with her eyes wide during the games, mirroring Kate's own expressions at times. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 4 July 2026 Aabria, by contrast, leans on personality and connection, clasping hands with the jurors and complimenting them before calmly lying about the rules of the bra contest and her victory. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 30 June 2026 The cap’s crown is decorated with three clasping hands symbolizing unity and brotherhood. — Nancy Olson, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 In one segment, when Kimmel and McNearney pick up a hitchhiking Olivia Rodrigo while taking the family to school, Jane shows off her personality, clasping her hands over her mouth in disbelief when Rodrigo enters the car, only to sing-along with the pop star on her way to school. — ABC News, 12 May 2026 McDaniels held onto Murray for dear life — often literally clasping his jersey — as the Nuggets tried to run him off every conceivable screen. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 1 May 2026 The june bug falls to the bottom of the bag but manages to recover from a new round of kicking by clasping to a leaf. — María Ospina, The Dial, 31 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clasping

Verb

Lively included photos of herself embracing Reynolds, as well as a picture where she could be seen hugging one of her daughters.

— Hannah Malach, InStyle, 21 Aug. 2026
Many of those in attendance brought their own stories of mental health crises of their own or loved ones, with individuals in the crowd hugging and sharing with each other after the moment of silence Thursday.

— Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of hugging

Verb

This finding, the authors said, suggested soft tissue was still holding the skeleton in place.

— Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
The Austrian has played an active role in recruitment, holding near-daily conversations with George Syrianos, the club’s influential chief football officer.

— Paul Taylor, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of holding

Verb

At the landing zone, with bullets whipping and cracking around them, Capers—barely clinging to consciousness—refused to board the helicopter until every last man, and his dog’s body, was aboard.

— Ethan Rocke, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026
Kumar said people were clinging to trees and rescuers had to break through a home's roof to pull out two children and their parents.

— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of clinging

Verb

During this past weekend’s practice, the 6-foot-4, 215-pound receiver again worked inside with the strength staff to begin practice instead of taking reps with the wideouts.

— Pete Sampson, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Consumers are being more proactive than ever and taking their health into their own hands.

— Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of taking

Browse Nearby Words

clasped

clasping

clasps

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“Clasping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clasping. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of clasping

verb

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