clutch 1 of 3

clutch

2 of 3

noun (2)

clutch

3 of 3

verb

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
Gaga arrived in a sparkling black Luis de Javier bodysuit with a matching avant-garde hat by Betto Garcia, finishing the look off with towering Louboutin platform heels and a see-through box clutch. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 9 Mar. 2025 It can also be carried as a clutch and can change colors to match any outfit — the ideal accessory. Toni Sutton, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
Cue the Mame handbag, that with its maxi shape in shiny or suede calfskin offers an everyday alternative to her sparkly and draped mesh styles, like the Yennefer bag or Venus La Grande clutch. Stephen Garner, WWD, 3 Mar. 2025 Many of us may think of a purse as a dainty clutch your highschool sweetheart may have carried around, or perhaps your grandmother’s oversized bag that seemed as bottomless as Mary Poppins’. Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clutch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutch
Verb
  • The crowd - like at almost every cricket ground in the world when India plays - was partisan for the men in blue with giddy fans riding the emotion of every twist and turn of a gripping final.
    Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Has the league prepared her to take the next step with the Chicago Sky? Daily Horoscope for March 09, 2025 Daily Horoscope for March 09, 2025 Anti-Trump, Musk protest at Orland Park Tesla countered by MAGA demonstrators Five years ago, COVID gripped the world in fear.
    Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • After walking out of a prison near Seoul, Yoon waved, clenched his fists and bowed deeply to his supporters who were shouting his name and waving South Korean and U.S. flags.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Yoon was seen on Saturday waving his hand, clenching his fists and bowing to his supporters who were shouting his name and waving South Korean and U.S. national flags.
    Landon Mion, Fox News, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • His divorce from ex-wife Anna Faris was not without drama, and he has been accused of belonging to a church that holds anti-LGBTQ views.
    Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Despite entering the final round four shots back, McIlroy held a commanding three-shot lead on the back nine.
    Mark Davis, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clutch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutch. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on clutch

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