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
Without Lillard’s explosive scoring and clutch playmaking, Milwaukee instantly becomes a far more favorable playoff opponent. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 28 Mar. 2025 Jenner accessorized with a sparkly clutch and posed with Khloé, who looked like her mirror image with a matching bob. Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
For those who might have still been clutching their pearls, Shepherd wasted no time setting the record straight. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 2 Apr. 2025 That adaptability should be clutch in the postseason. — Data via Evolving-Hockey, HockeyViz, Hockey Stat Cards, All Three Zones and Natural Stat Trick. Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for clutch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clutch
Verb
  • Directed by Shinji Higuchi—known for blending stunning visuals with gripping human drama in works like Shin Godzilla—this panic-suspense thriller follows the intense struggles of those racing to save lives under extreme conditions.
    Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2025
  • What To Know China's main stock indexes—the CSI 300 and the MSCI China—fell on Monday, with similar gloomy sentiment gripping Asian markets.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • My anxiety climbed, heart racing and head pounding as my jaw clenched tightly.
    Elizabeth Price, Vox, 22 Jan. 2025
  • The next day, the fisherman was found by rescuers —— dead with his son’s boot still clenched beneath his arm.
    Alex Robinson, Outdoor Life, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The group allegedly operated within the Northeast, targeting luxury vehicles – specifically high-end SUVs – by holding victims at gunpoint or bumping the vehicles on a highway, forcing owners to exit their cars.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Does playing Coachella hold any special significance for you?
    Katie Bain, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clutch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clutch. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on clutch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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