CLUTCH Synonyms: 223 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'clutch' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of clutch are grab , grasp , seize , snatch , and take . While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding. // clutching her purse

Q: How do 'grab' and 'snatch' relate to one another, in the sense of 'clutch'?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch . // grabbed roughly by the arm

Q: When can 'grasp' be used instead of 'clutch'?

The words grasp and clutch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession. // grasp the handle and pull

Q: In what contexts can 'seize' take the place of 'clutch'?

While in some cases nearly identical to clutch , seize implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible. // seized the suspect

Q: How are the words 'snatch' and 'seize' related as synonyms of 'clutch'?

Snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize . // snatched a doughnut and ran

Q: Where would 'take' be a reasonable alternative to 'clutch'?

The words take and clutch can be used in similar contexts, but take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control. // take some salad from the bowl

clutch 1 of 3

noun (1)

Definition of clutch next

as in cluster

a number of things considered as a unit a clutch of medals adorned the general's chest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in batch

a usually small number of persons considered as a unit a clutch of people traveling together

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

clutch

2 of 3

noun (2)

as in crisis

a time or state of affairs requiring prompt or decisive action a football quarterback who always comes through in the clutch

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as in power

the right or means to command or control others a nation no longer living in the clutch of a cruel tyrant

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

clutch

3 of 3

verb

ˈkləch

as in to grip

to have or keep in one's hands he clutched the eggs carefully so he wouldn't drop them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word clutch different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of clutch are grab, grasp, seize, snatch, and take. While all these words mean "to get hold of by or as if by catching up with the hand," clutch suggests avidity or anxiety in seizing or grasping and may imply less success in holding.

clutching her purse

How do grab and snatch relate to one another, in the sense of clutch?

Grab implies more roughness or rudeness than snatch.

grabbed roughly by the arm

When can grasp be used instead of clutch?

The words grasp and clutch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, grasp stresses a laying hold so as to have firmly in possession.

grasp the handle and pull

In what contexts can seize take the place of clutch?

While in some cases nearly identical to clutch, seize implies a sudden and forcible movement in getting hold of something tangible or an apprehending of something fleeting or elusive when intangible.

seized the suspect

How are the words snatch and seize related as synonyms of clutch?

Snatch suggests more suddenness or quickness but less force than seize.

snatched a doughnut and ran

Where would take be a reasonable alternative to clutch?

The words take and clutch can be used in similar contexts, but take is a general term applicable to any manner of getting something into one's possession or control.

take some salad from the bowl

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 clutch

Noun

Image The comedian and actress paired her fiery minidress with a clutch bearing what seemed to be two Ds in the pink and orange colors associated with a certain doughnut chain — the same chain that just released tracksuits to promote its new campaign for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday. —

The Styles Desk, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2025 His clutch play in the fourth quarter — capped off by a game-winning field goal drive — demonstrated his ability to shine in the biggest moments. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025

Verb

Miles Heide started for Jared Coleman-Jones, still sidelined with a shoulder injury, and had nine points in a career-high 28 minutes, including a couple clutch baskets in the final minutes. —

Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025 And last but not least, breakfast: Kitchen, the all-day restaurant adjacent to the lobby, had a beautiful indoor space (clutch on a hot, humid day) as well as benches and banquette tables outdoors that worked well for our big group. —

Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for clutch

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutch

Verb

Newness is always in supply, however, and what ends up defining a season is still in many ways nudged to the forefront by editors and buyers who are gripped by styles that speak to the moment.

— Talia Abbas, Vogue, 13 Feb. 2025
Griffiths cried at times, fanning herself and gripping the hand of a friend sitting beside her.

— Hillel Italie, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025