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
Your body has an impulsive reaction of tightening your muscles and clenching when something feels uncomfortable. Alexander Cheves, Them., 16 May 2025 Also, American stress levels have been steadily increasing year over year, and studies show that people who are stressed are more likely to develop bruxism—a.k.a. teeth clenching and grinding. Mary Honkus, Allure, 29 Apr. 2025 Stop participating in bad habits that worsen the pain, such as nail biting, chewing on the lips or cheeks, or clenching or grinding your teeth. Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2025 At one point, a drone show lit up the night sky, with the formations showing a series of images: Mr. Duterte’s face, his trademark clenched fist, and then his signature. Aie Balagtas See, New York Times, 5 Apr. 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.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 June 2025
  • Here other drivers complained about a lack of grip and sliding in the colder temperatures.
    Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • Tyrese Haliburton ridiculously clutch shooting in Game 1 proves that.
    Harry Enten, CNN Money, 7 June 2025
  • The Director also happens to be the bloody mama of the secret crime syndicate the Ruska Roma—the very organization whose clutches John Wick is seeking to escape.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Catherine, at least, has a better grasp of her own heart—her own feelings—than either of these more confident and overtly clever heroines.
    Adelle Waldman, New Yorker, 31 May 2025
  • Today, that includes developing a strong grasp of how to leverage artificial intelligence in the workplace.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • The Angels held the third-worst batting average (.229) and fourth-worst on-base percentage (.301) in MLB a year ago.
    Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • About 20 protesters stood at the entrance wearing shirts and holding signs with Christian messaging.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 9 June 2025
Verb
  • Scott grabbed some pizza and returned to park her Subaru near the West Shore Market to wait for Serafini.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2025
  • Appeal To All Five Senses People still like going out, meeting others and grabbing coffee.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Clench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clench. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

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