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
  • This being Washington, the decorations featured an eagle in flight, but, unlike the eagle on the Executive Branch club’s insignia, this one clutched photos of Musk, Bezos, and Zuckerberg, dressed in tuxedos.
    Evan Osnos, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
  • The oldest bag, a velvet clutch with a floral pattern, dates back to the end of the 1920s.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • With firmer dates in hand, Hyland and others will have a better grasp on whether studying colonial khipus can help crack Inca ones.
    Sam Kean, The Atlantic, 26 May 2025
  • The title was within its grasp but there was no room to slip up – only a win would guarantee the club the Scudetto.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
Verb
  • Ezra Levin, the head of Indivisible, a grassroots movement associated with the movement, told the Jim Acosta Show that an upcoming coordinated protest on June 14, President Donald Trump's birthday and Flag Day, would take place in areas away from where Trump is holding a parade.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 May 2025
  • The two were known for hosting parties and held a coveted status as leaders of Hollywood’s original Rat Pack.
    Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 28 May 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 9 Jun. 2025.

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