unclench

verb

un·​clench ˌən-ˈklench How to pronounce unclench (audio)
unclenched; unclenching; unclenches
Synonyms of unclenchnext

transitive verb

1
: to open from a clenched position
2
: to release from a grip

intransitive verb

: to become unclasped or relaxed

Examples of unclench in a Sentence

He unclenched his jaw and took deep breaths. I could feel my jaw unclenching as the pain subsided.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Your stiff limbs begin to unclench, as if death is slowly losing its hold on you. — Outside Online, 19 Feb. 2025 If that doesn’t work, unclench your eyes, re-close them in the regular way, and then go back to sleep at a normal speed. — Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unclench was in 1647

Rhymes for unclench

See All Rhymes for unclench

Browse Nearby Words

uncle-in-law
unclench
Uncle Sam
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unclench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unclench. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

unclench

verb
un·​clench ˌən-ˈklench How to pronounce unclench (audio)
: to open from a clenched position : relax
unclenched my hands

More from Merriam-Webster on unclench

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unclench

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