clench 1 of 2

as in grip
the act or manner of holding fearful that his suitcase might be stolen, he never once relaxed his clench on the handle

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

clench

2 of 2

verb

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 clench
Verb
Hank Willis Thomas’ (b. 1976) monumental bronze raised arm and clenched fist doesn’t require 500 words of wall text to interpret. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 22 June 2025 Not a market clenched in anticipation of a significant air pocket in growth. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 2 June 2025 Try box breathing—inhaling on a four-count, holding for four, exhaling on a four-count, holding for four—while clenching and releasing your fists. Calin Van Paris, Outside Online, 21 May 2025 The Najaf player stretched out his arms, fists still clenched, and lifted his head to look into the captain’s eyes. Jason Anthony, The Atlantic, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for clench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clench
Noun
  • The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2025
  • Amazon $100 Dick's Sporting Goods Great for upgrading from beginner pickleball paddles, the SLK Evo Power XL 2.0 features a fiberglass face, balanced weight, and comfy grip—now half off for Prime Day.
    Parker Hall, Wired News, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • To complete her outfit, Kylie clutched a White Birkin Faubourg House Alligator Bag, which can fetch anywhere from $200K to upwards of $300K, according to Sotheby's.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 7 July 2025
  • But clutch heroics by Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger helped the Yankees survive the Mets’ furious comeback bid, snap a six-game losing streak and prevent a sweep at Citi Field.
    Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 6 July 2025
Noun
  • As the communist leader Robert Mugabe is elected, his declarations empower Africans to take up residence on the farmland, and her imperialist grasp slips, the beginning of the end for this family here.
    Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 12 July 2025
  • The country greatly appreciated Jóhannesson’s grasp of the context and his insightful and entertaining commentary.
    Karl Moore, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • And believe it or not, plenty are genuinely comfortable, holding their own against traditional footwear.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 15 July 2025
  • Dreck is intended to highlight that rules are not alone in the regulatory universe, and urge that policymakers recognize and be held to account for the laundering of regulation by non-rule means to influence outcomes or inflict obligations, whether intentional or not.
    Clyde Wayne Crews Jr, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Order fish tacos or fresh salads at Bad Boy Burrito; grab at coffee at Cafe Moka; shop for clothing and gifts at Miss Monroe Boutique; and browse the open-air stalls at boo kee sue Botanics for handmade textiles, ceramics, and more.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
  • Pick up seasonal staples like this breezy maxi dress and these Crocs recovery slides to comfortably beat the heat, or grab year-round closet staples like these classic Levi’s jeans and this timeless button-down shirt by Gap.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clench. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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